SCOTLAND

Illegal Meat Imports

Alan Reid: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions she has had with the Scottish First Minister regarding the prevention of illegal meat imports.

Helen Liddell: I regularly meet the First Minister. The Scottish Executive is working closely with UK Government Departments to help tackle the animal disease risk associated with illegal meat imports.

Drugs

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what joint activities she is planning with the First Minister to intensify the campaign against drugs.

Helen Liddell: The First Minister and I are planning a number of possible combined activities against drugs misuse. These include matters related to the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency; the Scottish Communities Against Drugs initiative; and port police and Customs efforts to stop drugs entering the country from overseas.

Life Assurance Industry

John McFall: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the role within the Scottish economy of the life assurance industry.

Helen Liddell: I have regular discussions on a range of issues with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Long-term life funds under Scottish management currently total £100 billion.

Scottish Parliament

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will make a statement on the progress of her consultations on the size of the Scottish Parliament.

Helen Liddell: Over 775 copies of the consultation on the size of the Scottish Parliament have been issued since its launch on 18 December 2001. It has also been accessed about 1,000 times on the Scotland Office website.
	As at 19 March, 85 responses have been received from both a range of organisations and individuals. I expect that considerably more will be received before the end of the consultation on 29 March.

Scottish Parliament

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she last met the First Minister to discuss the operation of the electoral system for the Scottish Parliament.

Helen Liddell: I have regular meetings with the First Minister where we discuss a wide range of issues.

Poverty

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she last met the Scottish Minister responsible for social services to discuss Government measures to alleviate poverty in Scotland.

George Foulkes: I last met the Minister for Social Justice from the Scottish Executive on 21 January. We are making good progress on tackling poverty in Scotland. Details can be found in the Government's annual "Opportunity for All" Report and in the Executive's annual "Social Justice" Report.

Aggregates Levy

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations she has received from the aggregates industry concerning the introduction of the aggregates levy in Scotland.

Tam Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations she has received from the British Aggregates Association on economic problems in the industry.

George Foulkes: I met representatives of the British Aggregates Association on 21 January.

Winter Fuel Allowance

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in Scotland have claimed the winter fuel allowance for the 2001–02 winter.

George Foulkes: Most people aged 60 or over do not need to claim their winter fuel payment. Payments have been made automatically this winter to eligible people receiving social security benefits (excluding housing benefit, council tax benefit and child benefit), or who made a successful claim for a winter fuel payment last winter.
	Details of the number of winter fuel payments made this winter are not yet available, but are expected to be similar to last winter when more than 980,000 people in Scotland benefited.

Winter Fuel Allowance

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pensioners in Scotland are benefiting from the winter fuel payment scheme.

George Foulkes: Most people aged 60 or over at the qualifying date are entitled to a winter fuel payment, regardless of whether they receive a state retirement pension. Last winter, more than 980,000 people in Scotland received a winter fuel payment. Figures for this winter are not yet available, but are expected to be similar.

Shipbuilding

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps she is taking to implement the recommendations of the report of the Clyde shipbuilding taskforce.

George Foulkes: One of the key recommendations identified by the work of the Clyde Shipyards Task Force involves the promotion of Clydeside's case in securing new export orders. I am taking forward this activity on two fronts. Firstly, in liaison with the MOD's Defence Exports Services Organisation (DESO), identifying appropriate opportunities for Scotland Office involvement in promoting active campaigns on behalf of Clydeside. Secondly, in discussion with the relevant interested parties, on developing trading opportunities, specifically relating to warship building, in key geographical markets. I will write to my hon. Friend with further details once available and place a copy in the Library of the House.

Cross-border Road Links

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions she has had with the Scottish Executive on cross-border road links, with special reference to the A1.

George Foulkes: I have regular discussions with Scottish Executive Ministers on a wide range of transport-related matters.
	The upgrading of the route to the south of Dunbar has been taken forward in the A1 Route Action Plan under the auspices of the A1 Steering Group, whose membership includes the Scottish Executive, the Highways Agency, local authorities and police from both sides of the border. The steering group meets nominally once a year and I understand the last meeting was in Newcastle on 19 February 2002.

Foot and Mouth

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will make a statement about recent discussions with Scotland's farming industry about foot and mouth.

Helen Liddell: Animal health policy, including policy on foot and mouth disease, is devolved to the Scottish Parliament. Discussions between the Scottish farming industry and the Scottish Executive are a matter for Scottish Ministers to report on.

Foot and Mouth

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions she has had with Agriculture Ministers from the Scottish Parliament on policy on foot and mouth.

Helen Liddell: Animal health policy, including policy on foot and mouth disease, is devolved to the Scottish Parliament. I regularly meet Scottish Ministers to discuss matters of common interest.

Foot and Mouth

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations she has had with Scottish Executive Ministers and European Union officials to discuss the possibility of a public inquiry into the foot and mouth outbreaks in Scotland.

Helen Liddell: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him and the hon. Member for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale on 14 March 2002, Official Report, column 1207W.

Foot and Mouth

Angela Watkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations she has had with Scottish Executive Ministers and European Union officials on a public inquiry into the foot and mouth outbreaks in Scotland.

Helen Liddell: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale on 14 March 2002, Official Report, column 1207W.

Waiting Lists

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she intends to meet Health Ministers from the United Kingdom Government and the devolved Administrations to discuss NHS waiting lists.

Helen Liddell: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 12 February 2002, Official Report, column 141W.

Tourism

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will assess the impact of UK Government policies on the tourism industry in Scotland.

George Foulkes: The Government are contributing to efforts to promote the recovery of tourism in Scotland. The UK tourist industry, including the industry in Scotland, will be able to benefit from the £20 million challenge fund which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has established.
	I am sure that the hon. Member will also join me in welcoming the BTA's already very successful Royal Heritage Map, promoting over 50 attractions and places of interest around the UK, noting that two of those attractions, Glamis Castle and the Queen's View are within his constituency.

Working Families Tax Credit

John MacDougall: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in Scotland are benefiting from the working families tax credit.

George Foulkes: At August 2001, 119,062 families in Scotland were benefiting from the working families tax credit. The average award in Scotland was £80 per week.

Barnett Formula

Teddy Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive about the calculation of the Barnett formula.

Helen Liddell: I have discussions with Executive Ministers on a wide range of issues. The Barnett Formula provides a fair deal for Scotland. It has provided stable settlements under successive governments for over 20 years.
	The Government have no plans to scrap or to review the Barnett Formula.

European Capital of Culture

David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions she has had with the First Minister and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the European capital of culture competition 2008.

Helen Liddell: I am in regular contact with colleagues on a wide range of matters, including cultural issues of relevance to Scotland and the UK. The award of the European City of Culture would be a boost for any of our cities and towns throughout the UK. I am very aware of the interest shown by Inverness and the Highlands in bidding to become the European City of Culture in 2008 and wish them well with their bid.

ADVOCATE-GENERAL

Value for Money

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Advocate-General what steps she has taken to promote better value for money in the execution of her duties at her Department.

Lynda Clark: I am always conscious of the need to secure value for money in my role as Advocate-General. The organisation of my office as part of the Scotland Office provides for efficient operation and contributes towards better value for money.

LORD CHANCELLOR

Court of Protection

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will make a statement on the progress of the court of protection pilot scheme in Preston.

Rosie Winterton: The pilot was launched on 1 October 2001. It is testing whether holding Court of Protection hearings locally for contested matters and fund management benefits parties by reducing the time, cost and anxiety involved in attending court. A full evaluation report will be available by the end of April 2002, but early indications are that local hearings will prove to be more convenient to parties, their families and their legal representatives. If successful, the Lord Chancellor will consider extending the scheme to other parts of England and Wales.

Magistrates Courts

Peter Luff: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the future of Evesham magistrates court.

Michael Wills: The hon. Member will be aware that decisions concerning the future of magistrates courts in the West Mercia area are for the West Mercia Magistrates' Courts Committee to determine, in consultation with the local paying authority.

Magistrates Courts

Edward Davey: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what measures his Department uses to assess the work load in different magistrates' courts in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Wills: Work load, in the form of completed cases, performed in the magistrates courts is collected by each of the 42 Magistrates Courts Committees (MCCs) and collated centrally. Each MCC provides the numbers of completed proceedings in one of 14 case types (as detailed in the attached list) and agreed weightings are applied to each case type to provide an overall unitary value of case load.
	Case types:
	Indictable/triable either way
	Breaches
	Summary non-motoring
	Summary motoring
	Youth (all categories)
	Section 8 orders
	Emergency Protection Orders
	Care proceedings
	All other family
	Licensing sessions
	Licensing petty
	Other applications
	Means inquiries
	Right to Representation (formerly Legal aid).

Magistrates Courts

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what recent representations he has received on the closure of magistrates courts in North Yorkshire.

Michael Wills: The Lord Chancellor's Department has received six representations on the closure of magistrates courts in North Yorkshire. It is the Government's policy that decisions concerning the number, location and future of magistrates courts are for each magistrates courts committee to determine, in consultation with its local paying authority or authorities.

Auld Report

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what recent discussions he has had with the central council of the magistrates courts committees concerning the Auld report; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Wills: I met with the central council of the magistrates courts committees on 31 January to discuss their views on Sir Robin Auld's review of the criminal courts. The central council have also submitted a written response to the report which is available on our website. Their views are being considered along with the other responses received and will help inform the Government's conclusions on the report's recommendations.

Maintenance Agreements

Michael Connarty: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will make a statement on the enforcement of maintenance agreements made by Scottish courts in English courts.

Rosie Winterton: Under Scots Law a maintenance agreement can be drawn up by means of a Minute of Agreement. (This is an agreement entered into by two or more people, usually drawn up before a solicitor). If there is a clause of consent for registration in the Books of Council and Session and sheriff court, this can then be transferred under section 18 of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982.
	Section 18 of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 deals with cross border judgments in the UK. In this section "judgment" can mean any document which in Scotland has been registered for execution in the Books of Council and Session or in the sheriff court books kept for any Sheriffdom. If a Minute of Agreement has been registered for execution, this can therefore be transferred to the appropriate court in England under that section.
	An individual who is in possession of a Minute of Agreement, that has not been registered, has another option. For example, if a party did not subsequently adhere to the obligations stated in the minute, the other party would be able to present the Minute of Agreement to the appropriate court in Scotland and request that a maintenance order is granted. In the event that an order was granted, it could be transferred to another part of the UK under section 16(2)(b) of the Maintenance Orders Act 1950.
	An order made in a Scottish court, in relation to either spousal or child maintenance can be transferred to the appropriate court in England for registration and enforcement under section 16(2)(b) of the Maintenance Orders Act 1950.
	Subject to the provisions of section 18 of the Maintenance Orders Act 1950, a maintenance order registered in a court in any part of the United Kingdom may be enforced in that part of the United Kingdom to which it is sent in all respects as if it had been made by that court and as if that court had had jurisdiction to make it.

Legal Aid Board

David Amess: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what her policy is on payment of fees by the Legal Aid Board to members of the legal profession; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: In making any remuneration order for publicly funded legal work administered through the Legal Services Commission (LSC), formerly the Legal Aid Board, the Lord Chancellor is required by section 25(3) of the Access to Justice Act 1999 to have regard to
	(a) the need to secure the provision of services of the description to which the order relates by a sufficient number of competent persons and bodies;
	(b) the cost to public funds; and
	(c) the need to secure value for money.
	The Lord Chancellor is required by section 25(2) to consult the General Council of the Bar and the Law Society before making any such order.
	Payments made to members of the legal profession for publicly funded work under the General Criminal or General Civil contracts are of an agreed monthly amount and are paid on a regular basis. In addition, the Lord Chancellor requires the Legal Services Commission to publish targets for bill processing and payment in their annual report. The Commission monitors performance against these targets on a monthly basis.

Social Exclusion

Lorna Fitzsimons: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what role Community Legal Services Partnerships play in combating social exclusion.

Rosie Winterton: By planning and co-ordinating local help and advice and by developing referral systems, Community Legal Service Partnerships are improving access to good quality legal services, so bringing valuable help and assistance to many of society's most vulnerable groups and individuals. In so doing they act as a valuable mechanism with which to help combat social exclusion. Through their growing involvement in Local Strategic Partnerships, representatives from Community Legal Service Partnerships are also able to ensure that legal and advice services play a central role within local community strategies to promote neighbourhood renewal.

Freedom of Information

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much money was spent on advertising the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information to the public in (a) 1998, (b) 1999, (c) 2000 and (d) 2001.

Michael Wills: None. Information about the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information is available on the websites of the Lord Chancellor's Department (www.lcd.gov.uk) and the Parliamentary Ombudsman (www.ombudsman.org.uk).

Freedom of Information

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has conducted of the length of time Governments in other countries have taken to implement their Freedom of Information Acts; and if he will place the results of this research in the Library.

Michael Wills: I have assessed the implementation of similar legislation in some other countries from various published materials. In summary, other countries have implemented their freedom of information legislation within different time scales. The Canadian federal freedom of information legislation was enacted in June 1982 and came into force in July 1983. The New Zealand Official Information Act was enacted in December 1982 and came into force in July 1983. However, these countries were able to implement their Acts over a shorter time scale than is proposed in the United Kingdom because of the more limited scope of their legislation. The Canadian Act applies only to information held by Government Departments and most Government agencies, roughly 150 bodies, while the New Zealand legislation applies only to central Government. In contrast, the Freedom of Information Act 2000 will apply to approximately 70,000 bodies across the whole of the public sector. The Irish Act was signed into law in April 1997. It will eventually have roughly the same scope as the United Kingdom Act, although generally it is not retrospective in effect unlike the UK Act. It has been rolled out on an incremental basis from April 1998 onwards and it is likely that their implementation period will be longer than the time taken to fully implement the UK Act. The duties on public authorities under the Freedom of Information Act will come into effect in stages from November 2002 to January 2005 and the Act will be fully in force 11 months ahead of the statutory deadline.

City Status (Northern Ireland)

Bob Russell: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the decision was made to award city status to a second town in Northern Ireland; and on whose recommendation it was based.

Michael Wills: Decisions on the award of city status to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee were made in February 2002, when the Queen approved the recommendations of my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor. The decision to grant city status to both Lisburn and Newry was based on the recommendation of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Children Act

John Taylor: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans she had to take up and implement the recommendations of the Children Act Sub-Committee of her Family Law Advisory Committee in its report entitled, Making Contact Work; whether (a) primary and (b) secondary legislation will be necessary to bring about change in practice; and what timetable may be expected for legislation.

Rosie Winterton: The Government acknowledge the valuable contribution the report 'Making Contact Work' will make in addressing this difficult and sensitive area. The report makes a large number of recommendations, including some which would require legislative changes, on the facilitation and enforcement of contact between children and a parent who no longer lives with them. The Government are considering the proposals very carefully and will publish their response in due course. The Government remain committed to the principle that the welfare of the child must be paramount in any decision-making concerning a child's future, including decisions relating to contact.

Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service

Claire Ward: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when she will publish HM Magistrates Courts Service Inspectorate's report of its programme of visits to the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service during 2001.

Rosie Winterton: HM Magistrates Courts Inspectorate (MCSI) has published its report 'Setting Up: Report of Programme of Visits to the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service' today. Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Further copies may be obtained from the Inspectorate.

Public Guardianship Office

Linda Gilroy: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what key performance measures and targets the Lord Chancellor has set for the Public Guardianship Office Executive Agency for 2002–03.

Rosie Winterton: The Lord Chancellor has set the following key performance measures (KPMs) and targets for the Public Guardianship Office for 2002–03:
	KPM1: To develop an effective system for identifying client needs.
	Target:
	To carry out an annual customer satisfaction survey of panel and lay receivers to provide quantitative feed back data on PGO services as perceived by receivers by 31 December 2002.
	To run four receiver and client focus groups in different parts of the country by 31 March 2003 to provide qualitative data to inform the Needs Assessment project of receiver needs.
	To have completed the design and development phases of the Needs Assessment project and to have commenced the implementation phase by 15 January 2003.
	KPM2: To increase the proportion of effective visits.
	Target:
	To maintain the current level of visits (6,000 per annum plus a visit to all new receivership clients).
	To achieve 75 per cent. effective visits over the year.
	KPM3: To increase the percentage of accounts collected on time and reviewed on time, as a basis for effective action to meet clients' needs.
	Target:
	To complete the review of 100 per cent. of accounts received or have requested further information within five weeks (25 working days) of receipt (to apply to both Receivership and Protection clients).
	To collect 60 per cent. of accounts within two calendar months of the accounting end date, 80 per cent. within four calendar months of the accounting end date, and 100 per cent. within six calendar months of the accounting end date referring cases to the Court of Protection where necessary or taking other steps to ensure proper accounts are produced on behalf of clients (applies to Protection clients only).
	To review and set appropriate targets for 2003–04 by 31 March 2003.
	KPM4: To improve investment performance.
	Target:
	To ensure that annually 85 per cent. and on a three year rolling basis 80 per cent. of measured funds perform in line with a model performance based upon the Association of Private Client Investment Managers' and Stockbrokers' (APCIMS) capital indices; or an acceptable performance is achieved, taking into account clients' overall circumstances, including the income generated.
	To establish benchmark appropriate to new investment strategies by the date those strategies are implemented.
	KPM5: To secure an improved service in:
	responding to correspondence
	payment out
	getting information to receivers once appointed to enable them to support our clients
	closing cases
	registering Enduring Power of Attorneys (EPAs)
	Target:
	Responding to correspondence: Respond to 95 per cent. of letters, faxes and e-mails within 15 working days of receipt.
	Payment out: For 95 per cent. of requests, pay out or despatch direction to external receiver allowing access to funds to use for benefit of client within 15 working days of receipt.
	Information to receivers: Despatch court orders and directions to applicants, receivers or their representatives in 95 per cent. of cases within 25 working days of their being made.
	Closing cases: For 95 per cent. of complete applications for final directions, transfer all of clients' assets to personal representatives within 25 working days.
	Registering EPAs: Registering and returning 95 per cent. of correctly lodged EPAs where there are no objections within five working days of the end of the statutory waiting period.
	KPM6: To establish protocols for working with our receivers and our partners setting out the outcomes we intend to achieve jointly for clients
	Target:
	To: review the protocols established with key partner organisations in 2001–02 to ensure they are working properly by 31 October 2002; consider the usefulness of protocols with agencies identified in phase 2 of the partner protocol work stream by 31 October 2002; develop agreed written protocols setting out the outcomes we intend to achieve jointly for clients and memorandums of understanding setting out the ways we will work together to achieve these outcomes by 31 March 2003; draft agreed plans by 31 March 2003 for the development of each protocol over the next two to three years.
	KPM7: To demonstrate our capability through a range of measures.
	percentage staff have required skills and competencies
	percentage receiving training
	an effective research programme which underpins planning to meet clients' needs
	stage reached in developing an automated case management system—the MERIS project
	Target:
	Staff skills and competencies: At least 90 per cent. of permanent staff to have a current Personal Development Plan which identifies their learning and development needs and makes specific plans to develop their skills and competencies to defined standards.
	Staff training: At least 75 per cent. of permanent staff to receive at least three days training in line with their Personal Development Plan.
	Research: To commission two research studies, one by 30 September 2002 and one by 31 March 2003 and to progress these to timetable in line with PGO's published programme of research.
	Stage reached in developing an automated case management system—the MERIS project:
	By 31 March 2003:
	system design to be reviewed and approved (against agreed contract);
	confirm specification for first phase implementation;
	first phase of implementation to be accepted, following user acceptance testing.
	Gateway 4 Review to be undertaken and provide approval to proceed;
	data to be migrated in accordance with phased implementation plan, client service trained in accordance with first phase plan and first phase to be fully implemented.
	KPM8: To demonstrate improvements in efficiency by achieving a unit cost per case target set by the Lord Chancellor.
	Target:
	To achieve a unit cost per case of not more than £480.

Data Protection Act

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if his Department has plans to (a) amend and (b) seek the repeal of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Michael Wills: The Government is continuing to keep the operation of the Data Protection Act 1998 under review. At present we have no plans to amend the Act. Repeal of the Act would be inconsistent with our international obligations.

Census (1901)

John Taylor: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he plans to include Birmingham in the number of centres providing 1901 Census Online availability.

Rosie Winterton: The Public Record Office has provided Birmingham City Council with the necessary technical configurations so that its library service can access the 1901 Census online. Once work on compatibility issues has been completed by the City Council, Birmingham should be ready for operation as a service centre when the 1901 online census is relaunched.

PRIVY COUNCIL

Modernisation

Julie Morgan: To ask the President of the Council if he will consult the voluntary, business and trade union sectors on proposals to modernise the House of Commons.

Margaret Moran: To ask the President of the Council what plans he has to use electronic means of consultation on his proposals for reform of the House of Commons.

Gordon Marsden: To ask the President of the Council if he will consult the voluntary, business and trade union sectors on his proposals to modernise the House.

Stephen Twigg: I understand that the Modernisation Committee has taken evidence from a number of individuals and organisations as to how Parliament might be made more topical, relevant and effective. I have been working with the National Council of Voluntary Organisations to ensure that the voluntary sector has a full input into this consultation, and am hoping to do more in the coming months.
	I know the Leader of the Commons is very keen to hear the views of as many people as possible on the contents of the memorandum he presented to the Modernisation Committee in December. To this end I understand the Modernisation Committee is exploring the possibility of an e-consultation.

Modernisation

Peter Bradley: To ask the President of the Council if he will consult right hon. and hon. Members on the need for reform of conventions in the House.

Stephen Twigg: My right hon. Friend welcomes ideas for reform from all Members. Where there are outmoded or inappropriate conventions in the House, the Modernisation Committee will be happy to consider proposals for reform.

Modernisation

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the President of the Council what consideration he has given to improving the links between young people and Parliament in his proposals for modernisation of the House.

Stephen Twigg: My right hon. Friend hopes that his proposals will make Parliament more accessible to all groups, including young people. In addition, the parliamentary education service does a great deal to inform and involve young people.

Private Members' Bills

Simon Hughes: To ask the President of the Council how many private Members' Bills introduced by (a) Government Back Benchers and (b) Opposition Members have been enacted in each of the last 10 years; and what proposals he has to give greater opportunity for Back-Bench legislative initiatives to become law.

Stephen Twigg: The information requested is as follows:
	
		
			 Session Number of PMBs enacted Introduced by Government Back Bencher Introduced by Opposition Member 
		
		
			 1991–92 13 11 2 
			 1992–93 15 12 3 
			 1993–94 16 11 5 
			 1994–95 17 11 6 
			 1995–96 17 12 5 
			 1996–97 22 18 4 
			 1997–98 10 7 3 
			 1998–99 8 4 4 
			 1999–2000 6 3 3 
			 2000–01 0 0 0 
		
	
	My right hon. Friend has no such proposals at present.

House of Lords Reform

David Taylor: To ask the President of the Council if he will make a statement on progress on Lords reform.

George Osborne: To ask the President of the Council how many recent representations he has received calling for a wholly or substantially elected House of Lords.

Joyce Quin: To ask the President of the Council if he will make a statement on the response to the Government's White Paper on House of Lords reform.

Stephen Twigg: I refer the Members to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House to my hon. Friends the Members for Slough and Rhondda in the House today, Official Report, column 163.

House of Lords Reform

Gordon Prentice: To ask the President of the Council 
	(1)  when he will respond to the report of the Select Committee on Public Administration on Lords Reform;
	(2)  how many responses were received to the White Paper on Lords Reform; and if he will make a statement.

Robin Cook: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friends the Members for Slough and Rhondda, Official Report, column 163.

Prime Minister's Questions

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the President of the Council what recent representations he has received on the alteration of timing of questions to the Prime Minister.

Stephen Twigg: My right hon. Friend and I have received representations about the ability of those living in the north of England to attend Prime Minister's questions if it is brought forward significantly.

Traffic Disruption

Greg Knight: To ask the President of the Council if he will make a statement on the level of consultation between his office and the House authorities with other bodies to ensure that traffic disruption is kept to a minimum while the House is sitting.

Robin Cook: At the beginning of each Session the House issues the Sessional Order which instructs the Commissioner of Police to keep the streets around the Houses of Parliament free from obstruction so that Members and Peers have a clear passage.
	House officials liaise with the traffic authorities of Westminster city council and Transport for London. When problems, such as traffic congestion occur both bodies have been helpful in seeking to alleviate the problems.
	If the right hon. Member has a specific point of concern, I would welcome further details.

Staff Numbers

John Bercow: To ask the President of the Council how many staff have been employed by his Department in each of the last 10 years.

Robin Cook: The number of staff employed by the Privy Council in each of the last 10 years is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Staff in post 
		
		
			 1991 32 
			 1992 32 
			 1993 33 
			 1994 33 
			 1995 38 
			 1996 37 
			 1997 35 
			 1998 33 
			 1999 32 
			 2000 35 
			 2001 (1)40 
		
	
	(1) Four staff who worked in the Business Co-ordination Unit transferred to the Cabinet Office.

Sitting Hours

Ben Chapman: To ask the President of the Council if he will make a statement on his proposals for changing sitting hours of the House.

Stephen Twigg: My right hon. Friend's proposals are contained in his memorandum to the Modernisation Committee. The Committee is undertaking an inquiry into the proposals and welcomes the views of MPs on reform.

Accommodation Costs

John Bercow: To ask the President of the Council what the cost was of hotel accommodation for departmental staff working away from home in each of the last four years.

Robin Cook: This figure can be provided only at disproportionate costs, but the total amount would be modest as there is little requirement for travel in the Department.

Equipment Leasing

John Bercow: To ask the President of the Council if he will list the equipment leasing arrangements entered into by his Department in each of the last four years; and what the cost is to public funds in each case.

Robin Cook: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Teignbridge (Richard Younger-Ross) on 11 February 2002, Official Report, column 45W.
	The details of the other leasing arrangements in my Department are:
	
		
			 Financial year Cost(2) (£) 
		
		
			 Photocopiers  
			 1998–99 13,216 
			 1999–2000 16,770 
			 2000–01 16,770 
			 2001–02 17,455 
			   
			 Drinking water coolers  
			 1998–99 363 
			 1999–2000 480 
			 2000–01 480 
			 2001–02 480 
		
	
	(2) Including VAT

Relocation Expenses

John Bercow: To ask the President of the Council what his policy is on the payment of relocation expenses to staff in his Department.

Robin Cook: My Department does not pay relocation expenses.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Gibraltar

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on referendums held since 1972 in Gibraltar on the subject of Gibraltar's relationship with (a) the United Kingdom and (b) Spain.

Peter Hain: There have been no referendums held in Gibraltar since 1972.

Gibraltar

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations have been made to him by Spain in respect of the future of Gibraltar.

Peter Hain: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary last met his Spanish counterpart under the Brussels process on 4 February 2002. I refer the hon. Member to the Foreign Secretary's statement on these talks in answer to my right hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Gorton (Mr. Kaufman) on 5 February 2002, Official Report, column 735.

Gibraltar

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations have been made to him by the Government of Gibraltar in respect of the discussions between Her Majesty's Government and Spain.

Peter Hain: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Nicholas Winterton) on 12 March 2002, Official Report, column 865W.

Gibraltar

John MacDougall: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the level of UK investment in Gibraltar has been in each of the last five years.

Peter Hain: No figures are available for private sector investment flows from the UK to Gibraltar. Capital investment by the Ministry of Defence in Gibraltar over the last three financial years has been as follows:
	
		
			 FY £ million 
		
		
			 2001–02(3) 9.9 
			 2000–01 7.2 
			 1999–2000 3.9 
		
	
	(3) To date
	There was no capital investment in the previous two financial years.

General Affairs Council

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason no devolved Administration Minister attended the 2416 European Union Council of Ministers (General Affairs) meeting on 11 March; which particular suggestions or matters of concern from the Scottish Executive were raised in their absence by the UK Government delegation; and what information is being provided by his Department to guarantee effective post-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament.

Peter Hain: Decisions on ministerial attendance at Council meetings are taken on a case-by-case basis by the lead UK Minister. I attended this meeting, representing all parts of the UK.
	It is the responsibility of the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament to scrutinise the Scottish Executive's involvement in preparations for EU Council meetings. These arrangements are a matter for the Committee and the Scottish Executive. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides information to Scottish Executive officials as part of that process.

General Affairs Council

Jimmy Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 11 and 12 March; what the Government's stance was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: I represented the UK at the General Affairs Council (GAC) in Brussels on 11th March. The Council adopted the "A" points listed in document 6924/02 (with the exception of point 5, where a scrutiny reserve was introduced). It also noted the resolution, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament listed in document 5899/2. Copies of these documents will be placed in the Library of the House. No formal votes were taken. Joint actions, a common position and council conclusions were all adopted by consensus.
	Preparation of the Barcelona European Council
	The Presidency briefed on preparations for the European Council. The Council noted a document drawing on contributions from work in various formations of the Council (ECOFIN, Employment and Social Policy, Internal Market, Consumer Affairs and Tourism and Environment Councils) on the Union's economic, social and environmental situation. The Council endorsed an updated road map, which outlines implementation plans for the sustainable development strategy agreed in Goteborg. It also adopted a framework document proposing a strategy for better integrating environmental concerns into the Union's external relations. The Council noted a Commission document on the Lisbon strategy's external dimension, which focuses on the Doha development agenda, the Monterrey Conference on Financing for Development and the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development.
	Annual Policy Strategy 2003
	The President of the Commission presented an overview of the Annual Policy Strategy for 2003. The Council noted the Commission's policy priorities and welcomed the Commission's intention to hold a comprehensive dialogue on the strategy. Discussion of the dossier will continue at the General Affairs Council in May.
	Situation in the Great Lakes Region
	The Council adopted conclusions welcoming the signing of the National Indicative Programme for the DRC on 5 February 2002. The Council adopted a common position on EU support for the implementation of the Lusaka cease-fire agreement and the DRC peace process.
	Preparation of Monterrey Conference
	The Council discussed how best to achieve success at the UN Conference on financing for development, (Montserrey, Mexico, 18–22 March). As the world's largest contributor of development aid, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling the development goals outlined in the UN Millennium accord. As agreed at Goteburg, it would seek to achieve the UN target for official development assistance (ODA) of 0.7 per cent. of GDP as soon as possible.
	External aspects of the sustainable development strategy
	The Commission's communication towards a global partnership for sustainable development was discussed and broadly welcomed by the Council. The Council agreed that work should continue so as to enable the General Affairs Council to co-ordinate the Union's position in advance of the Johannesburg World Summit in September.
	Middle East Peace Process
	The Council exchanged views on recent developments and agreed to continue working on how to best promote progress towards peace in the region. The UK supported the Presidency's idea of a statement on the MEPP at the Barcelona European Council.
	Western Balkans
	The Council welcomed a presentation by the UN Secretary General Special for Kosovo, Michael Steiner. The Council agreed with his objectives: to lay the foundation for economic progress, develop the rule of law, (including the fight against crime and violence), and to build a fair and just society. The Council welcomed the prospect of the donor's meeting for FYROM, co-hosted by the European Commission and the world bank, in Brussels on 12 March. It called on all parties and community leaders in FYROM to match the international community's determination to achieve economic recovery, inter-ethnic reconciliation and stability through the framework agreement and in the context of the stabilisation and association process.
	The Council welcomed the recent high-level talks between Belgrde and Podgorica and called on both sides to intensify their efforts and to co-operate with the High Representative to achieve early agreement on future constitutional arrangements between Serbia and Montenegro.
	The Council expressed full support for the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and noted improvement in co-operation between the countries of the region and ICTY over the last year. It underlined that co-operation with the Tribunal will be an essential element of the full realisation of the European perspectives of the countries in the region.
	The Council welcomed Special Co-ordinator for the Stability Pact, Erhard Busek, and endorsed his priority objectives for 2002 in the areas of trade and investment, infrastructure, refugee issues, cross-border co-operation, small arms and light weapons and organised crime.
	Following its conclusions of 18 February, the Council adopted a joint action establishing a European Union Police Mission (EUPM) to provide the follow-on to the UN International Police Task Force (IPTF) in Bosnia-and-Herzegovina (BiH) from 1 January 2003. The Council also adopted a joint action concerning the appointment of Lord Ashdown as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) in Bosnia-and-Herzegovina.
	Zimbabwe
	The Council took stock of the latest development in the Presidential elections in Zimbabwe and agreed to monitor the situation closely over the coming days.
	Human Rights and the next UN Commission in Geneva
	The Council reaffirmed the EU's commitment to liberty, democracy, respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. It recalled the adoption of EU guidelines on human rights dialogues on 13 December 2001 and the addition of supplementary guidelines on the death penalty and torture, reflecting the overriding importance the EU attaches to this subject. It reaffirmed that the fight against terrorism must respect human rights and the rule of law.
	The Council expressed its satisfaction with the central role the Commission on Human Rights has achieved and the major role played by the EU and its member states at this forum. At the next CHR forum, the EU will present a significant number of country and thematic initiatives: on the death penalty, the rights of the child and the human rights situation in specific countries. The Council reaffirmed the EU's commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an essential means for promoting respect for humanitarian and human rights law and welcomed the fact that the ratification of the Rome statute of the ICC was advancing at a fast pace.
	The Council decided that the EU at the UN Commission on Human Rights would convey its deep concern at the serious violations of human rights in China and the lack of progress in a number of areas. The EU will urge China to take a number of specific steps to improve the situation on the ground. If a draft resolution on human rights in China is tabled at the 58th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights, the EU will study its contents carefully. If such a draft resolution is put to a vote, EU members of the Commission will consider favourably voting for its adoption.

Minority Languages

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what level of scrutiny was conducted in relation to the assessment of (a) Ulster Scots, (b) Lallands, (c) Northern Irish Gaelic and (d) Cornish before considering whether each should be specified by the Government under the provisions of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

Denis MacShane: The Charter does not set out what, if any, kind of scrutiny should be undertaken before specifying a language under its provisions. In the case of the UK, HMG has taken advice from the relevant Administrations of the UK on which languages to specify.
	(a) Scots has had a presence in the island of Ireland for approximately four centuries. Ulster Scots ("Ullans") is defined in the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) Northern Ireland Order 1999 as
	"the variety of the Scots language traditionally found in parts of Northern Ireland and Donegal". Ministers decided that this qualified it for specification under the terms of the Charter.
	(b) The Scots language has a long history and many points of difference from standard English. In the light of these considerations, Ministers decided that it should be considered a language and thus be covered by Part II of the Charter.
	(c) Irish (Gaeilge) has been spoken throughout the island of Ireland for at least two millennia. The 1991 Census identified 142,003 people in Northern Ireland (9.4 per cent. of the population) who claimed competence in the language. Ministers decided that this qualified it for specification under the terms of the Charter.
	(d) The Government office for the south-west commissioned an independent study in order to provide a sound factual basis for informing HMG's on-going assessment of its position on Cornish in relation to the Charter.

Convention on the Future of Europe

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much money and what other resources the Government have allocated for debate and information about the convention on the future of Europe; what assessment he has made of the money and resources made available by other member states; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: The Government support a national debate on the future of Europe. This will be one of the calls on the FCO European Union Command's public diplomacy budget.
	The resources made available in other member states are a matter for them.

EU Information Campaign

Andrew Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost is of his Department's EU information campaign; and if he will make a statement on its purpose.

Peter Hain: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's EU information campaign has cost a total of £236,038 to date for the financial year 2001–02. The campaign aims to help to raise awareness and understanding of the European Union and Britain's role within it.

UK Citizens (France)

David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received on the treatment of UK citizens held in prison in France, with particular reference to (a) access to legal representation, (b) access to an interpreter and (c) time taken in proceeding to trial.

Ben Bradshaw: We often receive representations on behalf of UK citizens held in prison in France. We look into each case on an individual basis and discuss the details of the case with the detainee. We do not record statistics on the points raised by my hon. Friend. It would involve disproportionate cost to provide the information requested.

Former Yugoslavia

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy on the future of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.

Denis MacShane: The United Kingdom fully supports the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in fulfilling its mandate to bring to justice persons allegedly responsible for violations of international humanitarian law, to render justice to the victims, and to contribute to the restoration of peace by promoting reconciliation in the former Yugoslavia.
	The Tribunal's Chief Prosecutor, Carla del Ponte, held discussions with the Foreign Secretary on 14 March about the Tribunal's future. Her stated aim is to complete the Tribunal's work by 2008. The UK supports her in this aim. However, this timetable is conditional upon states in the former Yugoslavia co-operating with the Tribunal and beginning to take responsibility for trying lower level war criminals in their jurisdiction. We continue to encourage the states in former Yugoslavia to take these necessary steps.

International Criminal Court

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress towards the establishment of the International Criminal Court.

Denis MacShane: Good progress is being made towards the establishment of the International Criminal Court. The UK ratified in October 2001. 55 states have ratified to date.
	The court will enter into force upon the 60th ratification of the Rome Statute. We expect the deposit of the 60th ratification this summer with the court entering into force by the end of this year. The United Kingdom is urging other states, in our bilateral contacts and with EU partners and associated states (in pursuance of the EU common position on the ICC) to ratify the Rome Statute.

Private Simon Jeans

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions since 1997 he has made representations to his Croatian counterpart regarding the killing of Private Simon Jeans in Split, Croatia, in September 1996.

Ben Bradshaw: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence raised Private Jean's case with the Croatian Defence Minister when he visited the UK in 2000. The then Minister for Europe, my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz), also raised the case on several occasions. The case has been officially raised at various levels on numerous other occasions. Our consular staff in London and Zagreb continue to offer full support and assistance to Private Jean's family.

Holocaust Denial

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Italian Government concerning the conference on Holocaust denial to be held in Trieste at the end of March; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: None. We have not been informed of the Trieste meeting. The Government deplore Holocaust denial—as do all our EU partners. The Government are working at many levels to promote Holocaust education, remembrance and research, both at home, through for example the national curriculum and the annual Holocaust Memorial Day; and overseas through its membership of the International Task Force on post-Holocaust issues.

Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of the UN Security Council Counter- Terrorism Committee.

Denis MacShane: The Counter-Terrorism Committee was established to monitor implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1373 (2001), which imposed mandatory obligations on all states to prevent and suppress terrorist financing and deny terrorists safe havens. The British Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Sir Jeremy Greenstock, is its chairman.
	As of 11 March 2002, the Counter Terrorism Committee had received reports from 135 of the UN's 189 member states. This is an unprecedented response rate, demonstrating the importance the entire international community attaches to fighting terrorism.
	The Counter-Terrorism Committee is now in the process of analysing these reports, and seeking further information from states where necessary. The picture being built up should help the committee and states concerned to identify and address areas in which existing counter-terrorism structures need to be improved.

Sub-Continent

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his efforts to encourage the Governments of India and Pakistan to sign up to the (a) non-proliferation and (b) test ban treaties.

Ben Bradshaw: We have regular contacts with both India and Pakistan on the full range of disarmament and non-proliferation issues. We are currently encouraging both countries to reduce nuclear tension in the region by engaging in a dialogue on confidence building measures. We also emphasise that our long-term goal is for India and Pakistan to abide by their obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1172, including accession to the Non-Proliferation Treaty as non-nuclear weapons states and signature and ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

Iraq

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what actions his Department has taken to secure the reinstatement of UN weapons inspectors in Iraq.

Ben Bradshaw: We have continuously urged Iraq to co-operate with the UN, particularly on weapons inspections. Security Council Resolution 1284—a UK initiative—offered for the first time the suspension of UN sanctions as an interim step pending the complete elimination of Iraq's WMD, which would in turn lead to the full lifting of sanctions. We support the efforts of the UN Secretary General to persuade Iraq to co-operate with the UN through renewed dialogue, while making clear that there can be no watering down of Iraq's obligations under UN resolutions.

Middle East

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures he is taking to stop the violence between the Palestinians and Israelis; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The Government are profoundly concerned at the continuing violence in the middle east. We believe United Nations Security Council Resolution 1397 is a clear expression of the international desire to end the violence. In this context we welcome the return of US envoy General Zinni to the region, and the Saudi Arabian initiative. We urge both parties to support Zinni's efforts to broker a ceasefire and implement the Tenet security workplan and Mitchell Committee recommendations.

UK-Sudan Relations

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on UK-Sudan relations.

Denis MacShane: We have a full bilateral relationship with Sudan. Our focus there remains the search for peace and, in this respect, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary recently announced the appointment of Alan Goulty as the UK Special Representative for Sudan. Mr. Goulty will continue our policy of engagement with all parties to the conflict in an attempt to bring an end to the suffering caused by so many years of war. We continue to support the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) peace process, and, accordingly, the IGAD Declaration of Principles, which includes the right of self-determination for southerners. We also continue to promote democracy and human rights in Sudan.

Advertising

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the publicity and advertising campaigns run by his Department in each of the last four years, specifying the (a) purpose, (b) cost to public funds, (c) number of staff involved and (d) method of evaluation in each case.

Denis MacShane: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office conducted a publicity campaign in the UK in 1998 to reduce the number of ticketless fans travelling to France for the World Cup Finals and to explain what consular services were available. The Department also provides information on Britain and the EU for the British public. The aim is to increase knowledge of UK membership of the EU. Tables 1 and 2 give figures for expenditure and numbers of staff involved.
	
		Table 1: consular publicity campaign
		
			  Cost to public funds (£) Staff 
		
		
			 1998–99 1,000,000 3 
			 1999–2000 0 0 
			 2000–01 0 0 
			 2001–02 0 0 
		
	
	Note:
	Methods of evaluation included a face-to-face omnibus survey, before and after the campaign, on a targeted audience of football fans aged between 18 and 40.
	
		Table 2: information on the EU
		
			  Cost to public funds (£) Staff 
		
		
			 1998–99 0 0 
			 1999–2000 102,574 5 
			 2000–01 258,000 8 
			 2001–02 (4)236,038 9 
		
	
	(4) To date
	Note:
	Methods of evaluation have included hit counters on websites and an opinion poll in 2001.
	Information on publicity or advertising campaigns organised by UK missions overseas could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Flexible Working

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many and what proportion of the staff of his Department are (a) job sharing, (b) term working and (c) engaged in another form of flexible working.

Ben Bradshaw: The FCO has 44 people job-sharing (0.78 per cent. of FCO staff), two people term working (0.03 per cent. of FCO staff) and 130 people engaged in other forms of flexible working ie part-time, home working and compressed hours (2.3 per cent. of FCO staff).
	Other arrangement include staggered hours, flexi-time and home working.
	The FCO is actively exploring the scope to offer increased flexibility to staff in order to meet the growing demand for a healthy work/life balance and to improve our record on diversity. This has the personal support of the Secretary of State.

Diplomatic Guidelines

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 4 March 2002, Official Report, column 63W, what guidelines there are to inform diplomats on how to assess whether representations will benefit the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Denis MacShane: I have nothing to add to my previous answer.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

EU Directives

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the European Union directives and regulations relating to her Department that have been implemented in each of the last four years, specifying (a) the title and purpose of each, (b) the cost to public funds of each and (c) the cost to businesses of each.

Richard Caborn: The information requested is as follows for this Department:
	Council Directive (89/552/EEC) of 3 October 1989 on the "Coordination of Certain Provisions Laid Down by Law, Regulation or Administrative Action in Member States Concerning the Pursuit of Television Broadcasting Activities", as amended by Directive 97/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 June 1997.
	Directive 2001/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2001 amending Council Directive 93/7/EEC on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a member state.
	Cost information in the form requested in part (b) of the question is not held in this Department and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Departments are required to produce regulatory impact assessments for proposals, including those originating in European legislation, likely to impose significant costs on business, charities or voluntary organisations. Copies of these are available in the Commons and Lords Libraries.

Sports Funding

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what her policy is on the provision of financial support for international sporting events in the UK.

Richard Caborn: The benefits to the United Kingdom of hosting international sporting events are enormous. As well as encouraging economic investment and tourism, such events leave legacies of sporting development.
	The provision of financial support for major events bids is a matter for the Sports Councils to determine against their clear and robust funding criteria. UK Sport currently makes available approximately £1.6 million per year in Lottery funding to assist with the bidding processes for, and the staging of, major sporting events in the UK. Sport England considers funding applications for these purposes against its general funding criteria.

Lottery Grants

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many organisations in receipt of Lottery grants in 2000–01 were subject to special investigations arising from concerns about how the money was used; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: This information is not held centrally. The National Lottery distributing bodies make decisions independently of the Government on the award and monitoring of Lottery grants.
	The distributing bodies are required by the financial directions issued to them under section 26 (3), (3A) and (4) of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 (as amended by the National Lottery Act 1998) to attach conditions to any National Lottery grant award. These conditions must include the provision that the grant must be used for the purpose set out in the application made by the recipient, and the condition that the grant may have to be repaid in full or in part if any of the grant conditions are breached.
	The financial directions issued to each distributing body also require the body to maintain effective controls to prevent and detect fraud and have systems in place to deal effectively with cases of fraud, however they might have been identified. Distributors are expected to ensure that their procedures address the risks identified in a manual on lottery fraud issued by my Department.

Correspondence

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she will reply to the letter of 12 December from the hon. Member for Totnes concerning Mr. C. Kelland of Dartmouth, Devon and digital television.

Kim Howells: I replied to the hon. Gentleman on 17 January 2002 and I have sent him another copy of my reply.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Public Service Agreements

John Bercow: To ask the Solicitor-General if she will list the public service agreement targets which have been revised and those which have been introduced since the publication of the 2001 departmental report.

Harriet Harman: The Law Officer's Departmental Report for 2001–02 to 2003–04 was published in March 2001. The departmental report reported performance against PSA targets agreed in the 1998 comprehensive Spending Review and set out the new targets agreed as a result of the SR2000 Spending Review. Since their publication in the departmental report, there have been no changes to these PSA targets.

Porton Down

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Solicitor-General when the Attorney-General expects to make a decision regarding a new inquest into the death of Ronald Maddison at the Chemical Defence Establishment, Porton Down under section 13 of the Coroners Act 1988; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: The applicant for the Attorney-General's consent to an application to the High Court for a fresh inquest under section 13(1)(b) Coroner's Act 1988 into the death of Ronald Maddison at Porton Down in 1953 is Her Majesty's Coroner for Wiltshire and Swindon. He has asked that his application is not considered until the evidence of a recently discovered witness is made available to the Attorney-General. The Attorney-General will consider the application when that evidence is received.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Engineers

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many chartered engineers there are in her Department; and what grades they hold.

Clare Short: There are a total of 34 chartered engineers working for DFID as permanent and pensionable staff, of which two are at the SCS level, 16 are at the A1 level and 16 are at the A2 level.

Engineers

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what use her Department makes of engineers to alleviate world poverty; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: Infrastructure services play a key role in both directly addressing poverty (access to safe water, the provision of clean energy, transport, etc.) and, more indirectly, in contributing to longer term sustainable poverty elimination. Effective services supported by adequate physical infrastructure are essential if we are to promote the rates of economic growth in our partner countries necessary to meet the millennium development goals.
	DFID's engineering staff are employed both in our infrastructure and urban development department in London (where they are responsible for developing innovative approaches to meeting infrastructure service needs and managing a wide ranging knowledge and research programme) and in our country and regional offices (where they are working with our partner Governments to help them take forward programmes which draw on the innovation and knowledge programmes developed in the centre).
	I see our professional engineering staff, and the programmes they help to develop and implement, as a very important part of DFID's contribution to our poverty elimination agenda. I will shortly be publishing a strategy paper highlighting the importance of infrastructure services to the achievement of the millennium development goals and setting out the approach proposed by DFID to maximising the poverty elimination potential of work in the infrastructure sector.

CDC Capital Partners

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she last had discussions with officials from CDC Capital Partners regarding their investment strategy; and when she next plans to do so.

Hilary Benn: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development discussed the CDC investment policy and related issues with the chairman and chief executive in November last year. Her next meeting with CDC will be in April 2002.

CDC Capital Partners

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the countries in which CDC Capital Partners has closed its offices in the last three years.

Hilary Benn: Since 1999 CDC has closed offices in Peru, Trinidad, Jamaica, Uganda, Malawi, Bangladesh, Philippines, and Fiji. CDC continues to manage existing investments and look for new investment opportunities in these countries from neighbouring regional offices.

CDC Capital Partners

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if it is her policy to compensate those from whom investment has been withdrawn by CDC Capital Partners.

Hilary Benn: No. CDC has sold some investments to other owners, well placed to develop these businesses further. These disposals have been done in a socially responsible manner.

CDC Capital Partners

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the projects from which CDC Capital Partners has withdrawn its investment in the last three years.

Hilary Benn: CDC Capital Partners sold its investments in the following enterprises:
	
		
			 Enterprise Country 
		
		
			 1999  
			 Rusitu Valley Development Co. (pvt) Ltd. Zimbabwe 
			 Corporacion Privada de Inversiones de Centroamerica Costa Rica 
			 Textiles Rio Lindo SA de CV Honduras 
			 Alliance Credit International India 
			 Apollo Tyres Ltd. India 
			 Credit Capital Venture Fund (India) Ltd. India 
			 DSQ Software Ltd. India 
			 Modi Mirlees Blackstone Ltd. India 
			 Wipro Financial Services India 
			 Blantyre Netting Co. Ltd. Malawi 
			 Vanik Inc. Ltd. Sri Lanka 
			 Neopac (Swaziland) Ltd. Swaziland 
			 Trinidad Cement Ltd. Trinidad and Tobago 
			   
			 2000  
			 Industrial Credit Co. Zambia Zambia 
			 Safety, Security and Justice Management (pty) South Africa 
			 Clovergem Celtel Ltd. Uganda 
			 Zimbabwe Development Bank Zimbabwe 
			 Tip Top Industrial Co. Ltd. Nicaragua 
			 PT Semens Andalas Indonesia Indonesia 
			  
			 2001  
			 Kawalazi Estate Co. Ltd. Malawi 
			 Sable Farming Co. Ltd. Malawi 
			 East Umbara Tea Co. Tanzania 
			 Rwenzori Tea Investments Uganda 
			 Chilanga Cement Zambia 
			 Mbeya Cement Tanzania 
			 Portland Cement Malawi 
			 Capital Developments Ltd. Malawi 
			 National Seed Cotton Milling Malawi 
			 Home Finance Co. Ltd. Fiji 
			 Tropik Wood Industries Ltd. Fiji 
			 Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd. India 
			 India Access Fund India 
			 ABC Holdings Ltd. Botswana

Zimbabwe

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what contingency plans she has made to deal with the consequences of the elections in Zimbabwe.

Hilary Benn: We are very concerned about the future for ordinary Zimbabweans. The election outcome is likely to accelerate poverty and hunger. The UK is working with key stakeholders and the international community to urge policy changes on the part of the Zimbabwe Government to halt the catastrophic decline in agriculture, the economy, and social services. In parallel, we continue to provide humanitarian assistance for the vulnerable, and to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic that affects one in three adults in Zimbabwe.

Burundi

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much overseas aid is provided to the Congolese Banyamulenge community in Burundi.

Hilary Benn: DFID does not provide any aid that is targeted specifically at the Congolese Banyamulenge community in Burundi. DFID has provided £350,000 to the British Red Cross to assist Congolese refugees in Tanzania, which include some Banyamulenge. We have also provided about £1 million in general humanitarian assistance to programmes in Burundi itself during this financial year. The UK continues to support the full implementation of the Arusha and Lusaka Peace Accords to achieve a lasting peace in the region.

Indigenous Peoples

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the rights of indigenous peoples in her Department's development policy.

Hilary Benn: DFID's aim is the elimination of poverty in poorer countries. Discrimination and marginalisation is frequently a cause of poverty, and we are seeking to ensure that poor people are consulted on policies and decisions that affect them and are aware of their rights. By adopting such an approach, we aim to promote social justice, including tackling discrimination against indigenous people and ethnic minorities.

Africa

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of her Department's overall aid programme in Africa is provided specifically to help rural development.

Hilary Benn: Around £840 million in new commitments was made to Africa last year. Of this approximately 27 per cent. was allocated to projects in support of sustainable rural livelihoods.

Kalahari Bushmen

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made to UNESCO regarding the fate of the Kalahari.

Hilary Benn: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development has not made any representations to UNESCO about the Kalahari. UNESCO has a strong interest in supporting San communities across Southern Africa, and DFID has co-operated with UNESCO in supporting the South African San institute.

Kalahari Bushmen

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much overseas aid is provided to the Kalahari bushmen.

Hilary Benn: The UK provides no assistance directly to the Kalahari bushmen. In the financial year 2000–01 the Department for International Development provided about £2 million to Botswana, for activities in education, governance, health and livelihoods creation.

Botswana

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what was the value of (a) bilateral and (b) multilateral aid provided to the Government of Botswana for the development of game parks and national reserves in each of the last five years.

Hilary Benn: In 1996–7 the UK provided £425,000 for a capacity building programme in the Government of Botswana's Department of Wildlife and National Parks. The project lasted one year. The European Union is the only multilateral donor assisting in this area, and has committed over 20 million euro to wildlife conservation since 1997.

Timber

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the companies from which her Department has obtained timber and wood products and the total spent with each firm over the last five years.

Hilary Benn: The companies that have provided timber and wood products over the last five years are listed. The amounts given are in some cases estimated, as the companies supply a range of products, not all of which are timber and wood, and a precise breakdown is not available.
	
		
			 Company Amount £ 
		
		
			 Kinnarps 905,423 
			 J.S. Seating and Desking 294,660 
			 Optimum Business Furniture 226,196 
			 Kellys Interiors 63,283 
			 Ensemble Corporation 51,605 
			 Desking Systems 55,679 
			 Ness 16,092 
			 Guilberts 7,108

Lakshmi Mittal

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he consulted (a) the EBRD and (b) the World Bank before signing the letter to the Romanian Prime Minister about the SIDEX steel plant.

Hilary Benn: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development has not written to the Romanian Prime Minister about the Sidex steel plant.

Lakshmi Mittal

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received from the Office of the Prime Minister regarding future loan applications from Mr. Lakshmi Mittal to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Hilary Benn: None.

Lakshmi Mittal

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received from Mr. Lakshmi Mittal regarding future loan applications to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Hilary Benn: None.

DEFENCE

Ministerial Visits

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates Ministers in his Department have visited United States Government military bases and establishment on United Kingdom territory since 1 January 1999; which Ministers were involved; and what facilities were visited.

Lewis Moonie: Since 1 January 1999, Ministers from the Ministry of Defence have visited bases made available to the United States visiting forces in the United Kingdom on a number of occasions. The most recent visit was by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence to RAF Menwith Hill on 5 July 2001. Prior to this, RAF Menwith Hill was visited by my right hon. Friend the Member for Warley (Mr. Spellar), the then Minister of State for the Armed Forces, on 24 January 2000, and my noble Lord (Lord Gilbert) the then Minister for Defence Procurement, visited RAF Fairford on 3 June 1999. A number of Ministers have also visited RAF Fairford during the Royal International Air Tattoo.

Efficiency Measures

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what savings have accrued from the replacement of five contracts supporting a guided missile system with a single incentivised contract streamlined stockholdings and overheads, as noted in his Department's performance report 2000–01.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 18 March 2002
	The reference in the report relates to a support contract for the Rapier FSB2 guided weapon system. This contract has been in place since April 2000. Savings of approximately £134,000 were achieved in the first year and similar levels of savings are expected throughout the remainder of the contract. Of equal importance is the increase in availability of the equipment system as a result of this contract.

Efficiency Measures

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what savings have accrued to his Department from the use of incentives in the MOD's food supply contract that require the contractor to seek improved value for money on behalf of the Department.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 18 March 2002
	The decision to contractorise Ministry of Defence food supply is estimated to be saving £13 million per year compared to previous arrangements. This is as a direct result of employing the contractor's commercial buying power to secure best value for money in the marketplace. The contractor does not profit from the cost of food supplied to the MOD and prices are subject to regular, independent, benchmarking. In addition to these savings the contractor's operating costs, on which the contractor does earn profit, are constrained through the use of a contracted Target Cost Incentive arrangement, under which annualised cost under- runs are shared. We are currently in negotiation over the precise amount accrued.

Efficiency Measures

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which sections of his budget received extra resources as a result of money gained from efficiency savings in each of the last three years; and how much was given to each.

Adam Ingram: The allocation of resources within the Ministry of Defence is carried out in accordance with agreed priorities and objectives. We take into account many issues, including predicted efficiency savings. These are not managed separately and we therefore do not track how they are reinvested.

Efficiency Measures

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how the efficiency savings in each of the last three years were achieved;
	(2)  which single efficiency measures have resulted in annual savings of over (a) £500,000, (b) £1 million and (c) £5 million.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 18 March 2002
	Efficiency savings are achieved by each area of the Ministry of Defence and of the services reviewing its business and identifying ways in which it might operate more efficiently and effectively. This can involve, for example, internal restructuring, use of public private partnerships and wider markets and increased use of IT.
	The MOD does not maintain a central list of efficiency measures and the information requested on individual measures could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Information on financially significant efficiency measures for 1998–99 and 1999–2000 was, however, provided to the House of Commons Defence Committee, and was published on 9 May 2001 as part of the Committee's 8th Report, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.
	Examples of efficiency measures taken in 2000–01 are set out in the Departmental Performance Report 2000–01 (Cm 5290), copies of which are also available in the Library of the House.

Efficiency Measures

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the annual target is for efficiency savings to be made in his Department's spending; and how much was saved in each of the past five years.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 18 March 2002
	The Ministry of Defence's achievement against the efficiency target agreed in the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review is set out in the Departmental Performance Report 2000–01 (Cm 5290), copies of which are available in the Library of the House. The cumulative achievement is:
	
		£ million 
		
			  Target Achievement 
		
		
			 1998–99 505 594 
			 1999–2000 998 1,126 
			 2000–01 1,499 1,462 
		
	
	Information on efficiency achievement in 1996–97 and 1997–98 has been archived. I will write to the hon. Member when the information is available.

Cancelled Projects

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the estimated cost of (a) Lion Sun 15/99, (b) Tradewinds 01, (c) Hairspring 00, (d) Winter Deployment 00 and (e) Aswex 00 was before they were cancelled.

Adam Ingram: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Defence Logistics Organisation

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Defence Logistics Organisation Information Technology projects have been cancelled since 1997; and what has been the total spending to date on these projects.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 18 March 2002
	The Defence Logistics Organisation was launched on 3 April 2000, since when none of the IT related projects or programmes that it has initiated have been cancelled.

Defence Logistics Organisation

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons work has been stopped on the Defence Stores Management Solution system; and what assessment he has made of the effect this will have on the efforts of the Defence Logistics Organisation to achieve cost reductions in the delivery of its services.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 18 March 2002
	The Defence Stores Management Solution aims to improve inventory management by introducing new processes to provide better visibility across the entire supply chain. Work in industry on the development of a possible means of meeting this requirement has been suspended pending the outcome of the annual review of the forward defence programme. We are taking this opportunity to conduct a reappraisal of the options for meeting the requirement to ensure that the most effective solution is chosen to provide all the benefits, including cost reductions, that are required.

Pensions

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost has been of administering the war pension scheme in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: The cost of administering the War Pensions Scheme is published in the Annual Report and Accounts of the War Pensions Agency; copies of which are held in the Library.

Pensions

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the changes his Department is considering in the Review of Armed Forces Pension Scheme will require primary legislation to effect the changes required; what the timescale is for implementing the review; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The Ministry of Defence legal advisers are currently considering whether extant legislation for the current Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) could be amended or if primary legislation would be the most effective means of implementing a new scheme. The timescale for implementation is expected to be determined by factors such as the introduction of a new joint personnel administration system which would provide the IT framework for the pension scheme and for the closely associated systems for personnel data. This system is scheduled for introduction from late 2004 onwards, and we are hoping to introduce the new pension scheme around 2005–06, subject to IT and legislative requirements.

Green Howards Regiment

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what rank is held by former Privates Wayne King, Thomas Myers, Marc Hunter and Lance Corporal David White who were with the Green Howards regiment stationed at Warminster in June 2000.

Adam Ingram: Former Privates Wayne King and Thomas Myers are no longer serving in the Army. Private Marc Hunter and Lance Corporal David White maintain the same ranks they held while stationed at Warminster in June 2000.

Warship Maintenance Modernisation Programme

John McFall: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Warship Maintenance Modernisation Programme.

Adam Ingram: The way ahead on the Warship Support Modernisation Initiative is currently being considered by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence. It is anticipated that an announcement will be made in the near future.

Afghanistan

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the outcome was of the investigation led by Colonel Zemary Fazil into the death of a man and injury of his pregnant wife in Kabul on the weekend of 16 and 17 February; what statements were issued contemporaneously by the Army press office and other agencies given responsibility for press relations; what subsequent clarifications have been issued; what explanation for the incident has been given to partners in the International Security Assistance Force; how many rounds were fired by each of the members of the Parachute Regiment involved in the incident; what ranks these soldiers were; how many spent rounds were recovered in the vicinity; in whose custody scene of crime evidence has been retained; how many soldiers have been withdrawn from the area of operation; if disciplinary charges are pending; what attempts have been made by senior officers to contact the family of the deceased; and what representations have been received from the Afghan authorities.

Geoff Hoon: holding answer 18 March 2002
	Early on the morning of 16 February, an Observation Post manned by members of 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, reported coming under fire from as-yet-unidentified gunmen. The soldiers returned fire. At first light, a joint patrol with the Afghan Interim Authority Police was despatched to the area for follow-up action. In the vicinity of the incident, they discovered a car that had suffered damage from gunfire. On further investigation, they found in a nearby house one dead and four injured people and a new-born baby. The injured were taken to hospital. Their injuries were not life threatening.
	The Afghan Interim Authority Police are investigating this incident, with support from members of the Royal Military Police (RMP). The Afghan police have retained any evidence that they wish to and the RMP have retained other items, including the car that had been fired upon. Before the investigation is complete it would not be appropriate to comment further on details of the incident.
	The press were briefed at the time in Kabul and have been updated as necessary by the Ministry of Defence press office. Other troop-contributing nations of ISAF were informed of the incident along the same lines as the press.
	In accordance with standard procedure, the two soldiers involved in the incident were withdrawn from the area of operations. Until the RMP investigation is completed, the question of disciplinary proceedings does not arise.
	ISAF have held informal meetings with the family of the deceased man who understand that the investigation is continuing.

Afghanistan

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from his US counterpart regarding an increase in the numbers of international peacekeepers in Kabul and Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: None.

International Security Assistance Force

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the United Kingdom will cease to be the lead nation for the International Security Assistance Force for Kabul and its surrounding area under the terms of Annex 1 to the Bonn agreement; and if he will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: Negotiations continue with Turkey in pursuit of our aim to hand over our lead nation status of the International Security Assistance Force by 30 April.

International Security Assistance Force

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has made to his Turkish counterpart regarding the takeover of the ISAF command in Kabul; and if he will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: Official are in close talks with their Turkish counterparts to secure Turkish agreement to take over our status as Lead Nation of the International Security Assistance Force. A joint Ministry of Defence and Foreign and Commonwealth office team visited Ankara last week for further discussions with Turkish officials. I will be seeing my Turkish counterpart this week.

International Security Assistance Force

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what representations he has made in the last two months to his European counterparts regarding the extension of the ISAF's mandate; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what representations he has received from his European counterparts regarding the extension of the ISAF's mandate; and if he will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: I have discussed a number of issues regarding the International Security Assistance Force with the defence ministers of several European countries with military personnel deployed with ISAF.

International Security Assistance Force

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on the British forces' commitment to participating in the ISAF after 30 April;
	(2)  what support the British troops deployed in Kabul will give to a lead nation after 30 April.

Geoff Hoon: The United Kingdom will remain a significant contributor to the International Security Assistance Force although we plan to reduce the level of our commitment once we relinquish the leadership of the force.

International Security Assistance Force

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are for ISAF troops to be deployed outside Kabul; and if he will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)'s area of responsibility (AOR) is limited to Kabul and its environs, as stipulated by the United Nations Security Council resolution 1386 and the Military Technical Agreement signed between the Commander ISAF and the Afghan Interim Administration on 4 January 2002. There are no plans to change this.

Northern Ireland

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence further to his answer of 15 October 2001, Official Report, column 947W, on Northern Ireland, if he will provide (a) the information requested up to the end of 2001 and (b) the information on injuries and fatalities to include incidents of Army use of firearms outside Army property.

Adam Ingram: I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Engineers

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the Army were (a) royal engineers and (b) royal electrical and mechanical engineers in (i) 1997, (ii) 1992, (iii) 1987 and (iv) 1982.

Adam Ingram: The figures are the percentage of Royal Engineers and Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as a proportion of UK trained Army personnel.
	
		Percentage 
		
			  Date  Royal Engineers Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 
		
		
			 April 1997(5) 9.0 10.3 
			 April 1992(5) 9.7 10.0 
			 April 1987(5) 9.4 9.7 
			 April 1982(6) 9.2 9.7 
		
	
	(5) The figures are taken from a DASA-held database of officers' and soldiers' records of service.
	(6) Computerised figures are not held before 1986 so these data are taken from manual records.

Engineers

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what support is given to engineers in the armed services seeking to attain chartered status.

Adam Ingram: Engineers play a vital role within the armed forces. Training is accredited where appropriate with the relevant national awarding bodies. The successful Royal Navy engineering sponsorship scheme at Southampton university is shortly to be expanded to other universities and, to maintain the high quality of our technical officer intake across Defence as a whole, will include Army and RAF officers as well. A proportion of engineering graduates are selected each year to undertake a MSc; the number depends on the operational requirement. The holders of such higher degrees can apply for chartered status. Registration costs and the first year's membership fee are granted on a case by case basis to those whose posts require such status. However, the Engineering Technology Board, which recently superseded the Engineering Council, has revised the guidance for registration. As a result, for the majority of engineering posts in the armed forces, incorporated engineer status is more appropriate than chartered engineer.

Engineers

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many female chartered engineers, excluding reservists, there are in (a) the Royal Navy, (b) the Army, (c) the Royal Air Force and (d) the Royal Fleet Auxiliary; and what the corresponding numbers were for years (i) 1997, (ii) 1992, (iii) 1987 and (iv) 1982.

Adam Ingram: The number of female chartered engineers is set out in the table.
	
		
			  Naval Service Army RAF 
		
		
			 1 February 2002 2 2 7 
			 1 April 1997 2 1 3 
			 1 April 1992 0 0 2 
		
	
	There are currently no female chartered engineers in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and there have been none in the previous years.
	There were no female chartered engineers in the armed forces in 1987 and 1982.

Engineers

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many defence fellowships have been awarded to officers for the study of engineering matters since 1997.

Adam Ingram: The Ministry of Defence's Defence Fellowship scheme provided an opportunity for one or two Ministry of Defence personnel a year (regular officers and MOD civilians) to pursue a chosen subject of study or research of benefit to the Department, for one year at an advanced level in a British university of their choice. The scheme has now finished. In the period since 1997 none of the fellowships concerned engineering matters.
	We provide a wide range of engineering training opportunities and I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

NORTHERN IRELAND

MOX Nuclear Reprocessing Plant (Terrorism)

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the need for stronger civil defence precautions in Northern Ireland to safeguard against the effects of a terrorist attack on the new MOX nuclear reprocessing plant in Sellafield.

John Reid: Since the attacks of 11 September on the United States, the British Government have been reviewing their contingency planning arrangements. Much work has been done, and continues to be done, to strengthen our national resilience. This includes an examination of all key sites, of which Sellafield is one.
	This work deals both with the counter-terrorism aspect, improving intelligence against the enemy we face and strengthening our defences, and the civil contingencies aspect, ensuring that the necessary resources are in place to minimise the consequences of a successful attack.
	It is not possible, for security reasons, to divulge the details of the measures being put in place. However, the Government will do whatever is necessary, at Sellafield and throughout the UK, to maximise our resilience to any threat.

TREASURY

Government Audit and Accountability

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the bodies which will be consulted about his proposed extension of audit and accountability in central Government.

Andrew Smith: Consultation will involve bodies and individuals affected by the proposed extension of audit and access powers for the Comptroller and Auditor General.
	Consulted bodies will include those non-departmental public bodies whose auditors are currently appointed by the Government, the auditors of those bodies and bodies, or their representative organisations, that will be covered by the statutory access orders to be made under the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000. These include bodies in receipt of grant from central Government, train operating companies, registered social landlords, Government contractors and their sub-contractors.
	The Government will also be consulting the Comptroller and Auditor General about the powers, as required by the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000.

Government Audit and Accountability

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the consultation on proposed improvements to audit and accountability in central Government will begin; and how long it will last.

Andrew Smith: Following publication of the Government's response to Lord Sharman's report "Holding to Account", consultation papers will now be prepared and issued as soon as possible. The normal consultation period is three months.

Correspondence

Anthony Steen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will respond to the letter from the hon. Member for Totnes dated 28 November 2001 concerning Mr. Mike Atkinson of Denbury, Devon and civil service pay.

Andrew Smith: I replied to the hon. Gentleman on 11 December 2001, and am sending him a copy of my letter.

Equitable Life

Christopher Chope: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the inquiry by Lord Penrose into Equitable Life will be completed in 2002.

Ruth Kelly: No firm date has been specified for the completion of the Penrose Inquiry. Lord Penrose is keen to ensure that the inquiry proceeds as quickly as possible consistent with producing the thorough and authoritative account required.

Roberts Report

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to publish the Roberts report into the supply of scientists and engineers; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: Sir Gareth Roberts is in the process of completing his final report, and arrangements are being made for it to be published after Easter. The Government look forward to receiving Sir Gareth's final report.

Data Series

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what new data series broken down by gender, race, disability and age have been commissioned by his Department since August 1997.

Ruth Kelly: holding answer 14 march 2002
	This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Data Series

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the subject of each gender impact assessment drawn up by his Department since June 1997, indicating in each case whether the outcome has been (a) put out to consultation and (b) published.

Ruth Kelly: holding answer 14 March 2002
	The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Report

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the component sub-units of each unit listed on pages 10 and 11 of HM Treasury's departmental report; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The teams listed on pages 10 and 11 of HM Treasury's departmental report show the lowest formal units of organisation in the Department.

VAT

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to implement the changes to VAT for small business announced in his March 2001 Budget speech.

Paul Boateng: As the Chancellor announced in his pre-Budget report on 27 November 2001, the measures not already in place will be introduced as part of Budget 2002.

Alcohol Smuggling

Irene Adams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures he plans to introduce to help reduce smuggling of alcohol into the United Kingdom.

Paul Boateng: On 27 November the Government announced as part of the pre-Budget report that Customs activity tackling cross-channel passenger smuggling of alcohol and tobacco has had a dramatic impact. Revenue losses in 2001 from this form of smuggling have reduced by 76 per cent. compared to 2000, with cross-channel passenger smuggling of beer almost eliminated and wine and spirits more than halved.
	Building on these successes, and those of its wider efforts to tackle tobacco smuggling, the Government published alongside the PBR a paper "Tackling Indirect Tax Fraud". It sets out the strategic principles that underlie the Government's approach to tackling fraud and outlines the steps being taken to tackle other forms of fraud and smuggling in the alcohol sector.

Economic Deprivation (UK)

Tom Cox: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the areas within the UK that suffer from economic deprivation.

Andrew Smith: Details of the most deprived areas in England are published in the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions' Indices of Deprivation 2000, which are available at http:// www.regeneration.dtlr.gov.uk/research/id2000/index.htm and in the Library. The Indices of Deprivation 2000 are measures of deprivation for every ward and local authority area in England. They combine a number of indicators which cover a range of domains (income, employment, health deprivation and disability, education, skills and training, housing and geographical access to services) into a single deprivation score for each area. Responsibility for measuring deprivation in Scotland and Wales is devolved to the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales respectively.

Ministerial Answers

Mike Hancock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average length of time taken to answer letters to Ministers has been in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: Within all the Chancellor's Departments the average time taken to reply to letters in 2001 was 22 working days. This compares to 24 days in 2000 and 31 days in 1999.

Ministerial Answers

Mike Hancock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many answers to parliamentary questions are more than (a) two weeks and (b) three months outstanding; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: As at 18 March, 3,340 of the 3,453 written questions tabled to the Treasury in the present Session had been answered substantively. 2,612 of the questions tabled (75.6 per cent.) had received replies on or before the due date for answering. Of the 113 questions which had not been answered, 28 were more than two weeks overdue, four were more than three months late, and in 52 cases the dates by which answers were due had not yet been reached.

Departmental Contracts

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the 30 largest contracts awarded by his Department from (a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999, (c) May 1999 to April 2000, (d) May 2000 to April 2001 and (e) May 2001 to the latest date for which figures are available, stating in each case the values of the contracts and the companies with which the contracts were placed.

Ruth Kelly: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to the hon. Member for North Tayside (Mr. Wishart) on 28 February 2002, Official Report, column 1433W.

Electronic Tendering Service

Jackie Lawrence: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the result of the electronic tendering service pilot.

Andrew Smith: Further to my answer of 17 December to my hon. Friend the Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire Official Report column 26W, the Office of Government Commerce has now completed its e-tendering pilot scheme, run to assess the possible future establishment of an approved e-tendering system for use across government.
	Tested across ten central government departments, the information gathered from the e-tendering pilot scheme has provided valuable experience and knowledge. In the light of the fact that the pilot did not fully meet all its operational objectives, the Government will not roll out the scheme.
	The knowledge gained from the pilot will, along with feedback from other e-procurement pilots now underway, allow government to make a full assessment of the technological options that will work best and ensure value for money. Plans for adopting this technology will be announced later this year.

TRANSPORT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE REGIONS

Territorial Forces

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many members of staff of his Department are members of the Territorial forces; and if he has a strategy to encourage members of staff to become members of the Territorial forces.

Alan Whitehead: The DTLR does not keep a centralised record of those members of staff who are members of the Territorial forces.
	My Department supports staff who wish to be members of the Territorial forces and provides special leave in order for staff to undertake appropriate training. It will also consider releasing staff who are asked to volunteer for a period of mobilised service.

Departmental Policies

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what criteria he adopts in determining whether (a) to monitor and (b) to research the effects of changing departmental policies.

Alan Whitehead: holding answer 14 March 2002
	Almost all policy development work will involve elements of appraising the evidence base, assessing the likely impact and evaluating the outcome. The Department also has in place a formal programme of policy evaluation, focusing on areas where:
	the achievement of objectives may entail significant costs;
	the objectives are of particular importance to the Department;
	the scientific and technical basis is uncertain or shifting rapidly, and the risks involved are perceived to be substantial.
	Individual projects are brought together in a five-year rolling programme which will meet the Department's service delivery agreement (SDA) target to deliver a programme of policy evaluation covering all the Department's major policies by March 2004.
	The Department will also play a full role in meeting the Government's manifesto commitment to review the working and impact of major pieces of regulation within three years of implementation.

Press Office

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many people his Department's press office employs; and how many press officers have left his Department since 7 June 2001.

Stephen Byers: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given today to hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs. May) [ref 40104].

Press Office

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time employees in his Department's press office (i) there were in June 2001 and (ii) there are at present;
	(2)  how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time employees there were in the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions' press office in May (i) 1997 and (ii) 2001;
	(3)  how many people have been hired by his Department's press office since June 2001, on a (a) part-time and (b) full-time basis;
	(4)  what impact the departmental restructuring following the 2001 general election had on numbers in DETR/DTLR's press office;
	(5)  how many individuals have left through (a) resignation and (b) dismissal from his Department's press office since June 2001.

Stephen Byers: holding answer 4 March 2002
	At the creation of the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions in June 2001 the press office employed: 27 full-time press officers; and two part-time press officers. Currently there are: 28 full-time press officers; and one part-time press officer.
	Detailed information on the numbers of permanent civil servants employed in departmental press offices during the financial year 1997–98 were provided in a memorandum dated 16 June 1998 to the Select Committee on Public Administration and published in its report on the Government Information and Communication Service (HC770) in July 1998. A copy is in the Library of the House.
	Since 7 June 2001, the number of press officers recruited on a permanent basis were nine full-time and one part-time. In addition, two press officers have also been employed on a short-term contract basis.
	Eight press officers (all full-time permanent staff) were transferred to the newly created DEFRA following the Machinery of Government changes that led to the creation of DTLR in June 2001.
	Other Machinery of Government changes involving the creation of DTLR, and affecting press officer staffing, were negligible in resource terms and did not involve any staff transfers.
	The majority of people leaving the DTLR press office have transferred to other Government Departments or agencies in order to gain wider experience to progress their career. It is not Government policy to comment upon the reasons for the departures of individuals.
	These figures do not include administrative staff who provide a pooled support service to the Directorate of Communication (of which the press office is only a part).

Regional Assemblies

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his policy is on the tax-raising powers that elected regional assemblies will have.

Alan Whitehead: The forthcoming Regional Governance White Paper will set out our policy for elected regional assemblies, including their funding.

Local Government

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the future of local government in the north-west.

Alan Whitehead: The recently published Local Government White Paper, "Strong Local Leadership, Quality Public Services", sets out the future of local government in England.
	In addition, the forthcoming Regional Governance White Paper will set out how we plan to take forward our manifesto commitment that:
	"provision should be made for directly elected regional government to go ahead in regions where people decided in a referendum to support it and where predominantly unitary local government is established".

Local Government Finance

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what types of premises are zero-rated for local taxation.

Alan Whitehead: The information is as follows:
	Non-Domestic Rates
	The Local Government Finance Act 1988, schedule 5, exempts the following types of non-domestic property from business rating:
	Agricultural land and buildings;
	Fish farms;
	Places of religious worship;
	Lighthouses and related property used by Trinity House;
	Sewers;
	Land and structures used by drainage authorities;
	Public parks;
	Property used for the training of the disabled, and the provision of welfare services to them;
	Air raid protection works;
	Swinging moorings for boats and ships, i.e. moorings which are not connected to the river bank or shore, but to the river or sea bed;
	Road crossings over water courses;
	Property used for road user charging schemes;
	Property in enterprise zones; and
	Property occupied by visiting armed forces, such as air force bases.
	Under section 45 of the Local Government Finance Act, empty non-domestic properties are exempt from rates for the first three months. After that period 50 per cent. of the full rates are levied on the property, unless it falls within a prescribed type, in which case it continues to be entirely exempt from rates while unoccupied. The most significant type that remains exempt after three months is industrial property such as factories, warehouses, and mineral workings. Other types of property which remain exempt are: listed buildings; buildings with rateable values of less than £1,900; buildings which the owners are prohibited by law from occupying or which are kept vacant by the actions of a public body; and buildings whose owners are either bankrupts, or are insolvent companies which are being wound up.
	Diplomatic non-domestic property is exempt from rates by virtue of the Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964. However, premises occupied by diplomatic missions and visiting armed forces pay a contribution in lieu of a proportion of the rates due on the property, to reflect the use they make of local authority services, currently 6 per cent. of the full rate liability.
	Under the Local Government Finance Act 1988 various reliefs are available to ratepayers. In some cases, local authorities have discretion to give relief up to 100 per cent., so their occupiers pay no rates. In some of these cases this is a top-up on a lower level of mandatory relief. 100 per cent. relief is available, at local authority discretion, to charities, small businesses in designated rural settlements, and new small-scale farm diversification enterprises, ratepayers suffering hardship and non-profit making bodies engaged in philanthropic, cultural, sporting and other activities.
	Council Tax
	Certain classes of domestic property are exempt from the council tax. These are set out in the Council Tax (Exempt Dwellings) Order 1992. They are:
	Class A: Empty and substantially unfurnished dwellings where works are required, underway or recently completed (valid for up to 12 months);
	Class B: Empty dwellings owned by charities (valid for up to six months);
	Class C: Dwellings left empty and substantially unfurnished (valid for up to six months);
	Class D: Dwellings left empty by prisoners;
	Class E: Dwellings left empty by patients in hospitals and care homes;
	Class F: Dwellings left empty by deceased persons;
	Class G: Dwellings where occupation is prohibited by public law;
	Class H: Empty clergy dwellings;
	Class I: Dwellings left empty by people receiving care;
	Class J: Dwellings left empty by people providing care;
	Class K: Dwellings left empty by students;
	Class L: Repossessed dwellings;
	Class M: Student halls of residence;
	Class N: Dwellings occupied only by students or school leavers;
	Class O: Armed forces' accommodation;
	Class P: Visiting armed forces' accommodation;
	Class Q: Dwellings left empty by bankrupts;
	Class R: Empty caravan pitches and boat moorings;
	Class S: Dwellings occupied by minors only;
	Class T: Empty annexes which cannot be let separately;
	Class U: Dwellings occupied only by persons who are severely mentally impaired;
	Class V: Dwellings occupied by persons with diplomatic privilege or immunity;
	Class W: Annexes occupied by dependent relatives.

Local Government Finance

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the (a) actual and (b) percentage change expressed in real terms was in total external support for Westminster city council in each year from 1990–91 to 2002–03.

Alan Whitehead: Westminster city council have reported the following total central Government support for revenue expenditure. Total figures for 2002–03 are not yet available.
	
		Westminster city council total central Government support for revenue expenditure(7)
		
			  Total (cash terms) £ million Total at 2001–02 prices(8) £ million Percentage change (real terms)(8) 
		
		
			 Outturn
			 1990–91 158.9 217.0 — 
			 1991–92 187.3 241.2 11.1 
			 1992–93 224.2 279.5 15.9 
			 1993–94 195.4 237.8 -14.9 
			 1994–95 198.3 238.2 0.2 
			 1995–96 202.9 237.0 -0.5 
			 1996–97 200.2 226.6 -4.4 
			 1997–98 208.9 229.4 1.3 
			 1998–99 205.7 219.8 -4.2 
			 1999–2000 214.9 224.2 2.0 
			 2000–01 224.0 229.6 2.4 
			 Budget
			 2001–02 235.6 235.6 2.6 
		
	
	(7) This comprises of aggregate external finance (AEF). AEF is central Government support towards total standard spending. It comprises revenue support grant, redistributed non-domestic rates, and certain specific, supplementary and special grants. For Westminster city council these include SSA reduction grant (1994–95 onwards) and central support protection grant (1999–2000 onwards).
	(8) Real terms at 2001–02 prices calculated using the GDP deflator.
	Sources:
	1990–91—2000–01 revenue summary (RS) and revenue grant (RG) returns. 2001–02 general fund revenue accounts budget estimate return (RA) and RA(SG) (income from specific, special and supplementary grants).

Council Tax (Newcastle)

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many properties there are in each council tax band in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne; and how many in each band are (a) empty and (b) exempt because all residents are students.

Alan Whitehead: The table shows the number of properties in each council tax band in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne as at 16 October 2001. Information is also provided as at 1 November 2001 on the number of dwellings that were exempt from council tax because they were halls of residence provided predominantly for the accommodation of students, and those dwellings that were exempt because they were only occupied by students or school leavers.
	These types of dwellings are prescribed in legislation as falling into exemption classes M and N respectively. In addition, the table shows the number of dwellings that were classed as either empty or second homes on 1 November 2001. A split between the number of empty dwellings and second homes is not available for the city of Newcastle upon Tyne.
	
		
			 Information for Newcastle upon Tyne Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H Total 
		
		
			 Number of dwellings on the valuation list as at 16 October 2001 73,187 17,198 16,451 7,194 3,535 1,648 1,295 114 120,622 
			 Exemption Class M—A hall of residence provided predominantly for the accommodation of students. 375 507 138 8 1 1 0 14 1,044 
			 Exemption Class N—A dwelling which is occupied only by students, the foreign spouses of students, or school and college leavers. 1,577 794 422 186 84 10 4 0 3,077 
			 Total for Exemption Classes M and N 1,952 1,301 560 194 85 11 4 14 4,121 
			 Number of dwellings classed as empty or second homes as at 1 November 2001. 2,535 481 360 207 102 70 58 19 3,832

Spring Supplementary Estimates

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions for what reason the Spring Supplementary Estimates were revised; and if he will list the differences between the original and revised Spring Supplementary Estimates.

David Jamieson: The Spring Supplementary Estimates were revised in order to allow provision for short-term financial support of up to £30 million to the National Air Traffic Services, as referred to in my right hon. Friend's answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, North (Mr. Pound) on 25 February 2002, Official Report, column 807W.
	As a consequence the revised Spring Supplementary Estimates differ from the Spring Supplementary Estimates as follows: the introduction includes a new sub-paragraph xlvi; the ambit of RfR2 has been revised; the total capital expenditure figure at Part II has been increased; column 7 of RfR2 section C has been increased with consequent changes to the totals in the revised subhead detail section, the resource to cash reconciliation table and the forecast cash flow statement; and a note has been added recording that the expenditure rests on the sole authority of the Appropriation Act.

Ring-fenced Grants

Patsy Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much has been given to local authorities in Government ring-fenced grants, broken down by local authority and service area, since 1997–98; and if he will make a statement.

Alan Whitehead: The information requested has been placed in the Libraries of the House.
	The Government have made clear in the Local Government White Paper "Strong Local Leadership—Quality Public Services" that it will restrict ring-fencing to cases which are genuine high priorities for Government and where we cannot achieve our policy goal by securing output or outcome targets. We will be keeping all ring-fencing under review with the aim of removing it as soon as possible to do so.

Housing Transfer Programme 2002

Lawrie Quinn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will announce the 2002 Housing Transfer Programme.

Sally Keeble: I am announcing today the names of 24 authorities in England which, on a voluntary basis and subject to the approval of their tenants, should be able to proceed with proposals to carry out 26 transfers of all or part of their stock to registered social landlords. I have today placed 15 proposals on the transfer programme while holding a place open for a further 11 transfers. Together the programme could involve over 180,000 dwellings in large scale voluntary transfers over two years.
	Authorities on the 2002 Programme have decided, with their tenants, to pursue housing stock transfer as their vehicle for reaching by 2010 the Government's Decent Homes Target. They will have made this decision after considering the various options for reaching the target. Housing transfer enables the new landlords to obtain increased investment from private sources to carry out any backlog of repairs and subsequent improvements more quickly than if the properties had remained in local authority ownership. Housing transfer can also bring about higher levels of tenant involvement, ensuring housing services meet tenants' needs and preferences. It can also provide a significant boost to the wide-scale regeneration of the surrounding area. Over time, tenants' rents will be similar to what they would pay to their local authority, due to the Government's policy of bringing greater fairness and coherence to the structure of social rents.
	Housing transfers are voluntary and may only take place if tenants are in favour. The consent of the Secretary of State is also required before a transfer can proceed and that will only be granted if it appears that a majority of tenants wish the transfer to proceed.
	Proposals submitted for the 2002 Programme have been of high quality. However some are not as advanced as we would wish to secure a place immediately. Therefore Copeland, Teignbridge, Middlesbrough and the London boroughs of Hackney (Kings Crescent) and Islington (Tollington Estates) have been asked to develop their transfer proposals further. I am also holding open places on the programme for Cannock Chase, Nuneaton and Bedworth, Sheffield, Southwark (Tabard Gardens Estate), Solihull, and Worcester pending the agreement of valuations with them.
	The authorities that have successfully gained places on the programme, together with the intended recipient RSL, are as follows:
	(a) a disposal by Amber Valley borough council of not more than 7,120 dwelling-houses to Amber Valley Housing Limited;
	(b) a disposal by Bromsgrove district council of not more than 3,239 dwelling-houses to a registered social landlord;
	(c) a disposal by Cherwell district council of not more than 3,800 dwelling-houses to a registered social landlord;
	(d) a disposal by Forest of Dean district council of not more than 3,754 dwelling-houses to Forest of Dean Housing;
	(e) two disposals by the Liverpool city council of not more than 2,260 dwelling-houses on the Walton Estate to a registered social landlord and not more than 295 dwelling-houses on the Kensington Estate to Community 7;
	(f) A disposal by Maidstone borough council of not more than 6,487 dwelling-houses to a registered social landlord;
	(g) a disposal by the Manchester city council of not more than 106 dwelling-houses to a registered social landlord;
	(h) a disposal by North Hertfordshire district council of not more than 8,570 dwelling-houses to a registered social landlord;
	(i) two disposals by Oldham metropolitan borough council of not more than 1,281 dwelling-houses on the Fitton Hill Estate to a registered social landlord and not more than 645 dwellings on the Limeside (The Avenue)/Hollins Estate to a registered social landlord;
	(j) a disposal by Ruschliffe borough council of not more than 3,559 dwelling-houses to Metropolitan Housing;
	(k) a disposal by Scarborough borough council of not more than 5,000 dwelling-houses to a registered social landlord;
	(l) a disposal by South Norfolk council of not more than 4,417 dwelling-houses to a registered social landlord;
	(m) a disposal by Stockport borough council of not more than 13,301 dwelling-houses to a registered social landlord.

Parish Councillors

George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what procedure can be adopted in cases where a complaint against a parish councillor for non-declaration of interest is made, when neither the parish council nor the borough council have either a code of practice or a monitoring officer.

Alan Whitehead: Parish councillors are currently expected to observe a National Code of Local Government Conduct, issued in 1990. The code is for guidance, although Section 94 of the Local Government Act 1972 provides that if a person should fail to declare a pecuniary interest they may be liable to prosecution and, if convicted, fined up to £200 for each offence.

Pre-School Nursery Premises

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make dedicated pre-school nursery premises zero-rated for local taxation.

Alan Whitehead: We have no plans to do so. Almost all non-domestic premises are liable for rates, and this includes all nurseries and schools, in the public and private sectors.
	Rates are used to fund local authority services. Any relief or exemption from rates would reduce the amount collected and available to local authorities.

Post Offices

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to improve post offices in deprived urban areas with special reference to how the money allocated in the Comprehensive Spending Review 2000 will be spent; and what definition he uses to identify a deprived urban area.

Sally Keeble: The Neighbourhood Renewal Unit is developing a fund to help sustain and improve post offices in deprived urban areas. £15 million was allocated for this Fund in Spending Review 2000, and this sum remains committed for this purpose. The development of this fund has taken longer than we hoped, as there are some complex legal issues that we must resolve in order to launch the fund on a firm footing.
	However, we hope to be in a position to announce the details of the scheme in spring or early summer this year.

Cornish Language

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many meetings with outside bodies he has held to consider the recommendations of his Department's commissioned study on the Cornish language in respect of the case for introduction via the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

Alan Whitehead: The Government Office for the South West acting on behalf of the Department commissioned an independent academic study to establish the position on the use and currency of the Cornish language historically and today. The purpose of the study was to provide a sound factual basis for informing the Government's assessment of its position on Cornish in relation to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The study report made no recommendations on this issue and I have, therefore, had no meetings with outside bodies to consider any.

Cornish Language

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when his Department expects to complete its assessment of the case for specifying the Cornish language within the provision of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

Alan Whitehead: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Ms Keeble) on 20 November 2001, Official Report, column 216W. The report of the Government Office for the South West to Ministers is expected imminently.

Cornish Language

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions for how long his Department has been assessing the case for specifying the Cornish language under the provisions of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

Alan Whitehead: The Department has been responsible for coordinating advice on the Government's policy on Cornish in relation to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages since 31 March 1999 through the Government Office for the South West (GOSW).

Fire Service

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  pursuant to his answer of 13 March 2002, ref. 42923, on rescues by the Fire Service, if he will state from where this information can be obtained;
	(2)  what was the total cost to the taxpayer of rescues by the Fire Service from (a) road traffic accidents and (b) for other rescues in each of the last three years.

Alan Whitehead: Chief Fire Officers may be able to provide this information relative to their own brigades.

Firefighters (Buckinghamshire)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the average number of days lost through sickness absence was per firefighter at each station in Buckinghamshire in each of the last five years; and how many firefighters based in Buckinghamshire were on long-term sick leave in each of the last five years.

Alan Whitehead: The average number of days lost through sickness is not available for each station. For the brigade the figures are given in the table with those for long-term absence.
	
		
			  Average number of days lost due to sickness  Individuals on long term sick 
		
		
			 1996–97 7.4 15 
			 1997–98 7.9 20 
			 1998–99 8.0 24 
			 1999–2000 7.6 15 
			 2000–01 9.5 27

Firefighters (Buckinghamshire)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many retained firefighters there were at each fire station in Buckinghamshire in each of the last five years.

Alan Whitehead: Figures by station are only available for the last year. Total figures are given for earlier years. The figures relate to individuals in post. Where these are "0" the station is day crew only and does not have a retained complement.
	
		
			 Station Staff in post 2002 
		
		
			 Amersham 11 
			 Aylesbury 18 
			 Beaconsfield 7 
			 Bletchley 13 
			 Brill 7 
			 Broughton 13 
			 Buckingham 11 
			 Chesham 9 
			 Gerrards Cross 0(9) 
			 Great Holm 10 
			 Great Missenden 10 
			 Haddenham 8 
			 High Wycombe 13 
			 Marlow 13 
			 Newport Pagnell 0(9) 
			 Olney 11 
			 Princes Risborough 9 
			 Stockenchurch 10 
			 Waddesdon 10 
			 Winslow 11 
			  
			 Total 194 
			   
			 Earlier years  
			 1997 214 
			 1998 199 
			 1999 187 
			 2000 193 
			 2001 200 
		
	
	(9) Station is day crew only and does not have a retained complement.

False Alarm Emergency Calls

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many (a) genuine and (b) malicious false alarm emergency calls were received in Buckinghamshire in each year since 1997.

Alan Whitehead: The number of (a) genuine and (b) malicious false alarm emergency calls received in Buckinghamshire were as follows:
	
		
			False alarm emergency calls  
			  All calls Malicious Good intent Due to apparatus 
		
		
			 1997 9,164 879 1,466 2,087 
			 1998 7,754 402 1,251 2,089 
			 1999 8,641 505 1,306 2,154 
			 2000(10) 8,941 500 1,514 2,311 
		
	
	(10) Data for 2000 are provisional.
	False fire alarms are categorised thus:
	(i) Malicious: the call was made with the intention of getting the brigade to attend a non-existent fire-related event. This includes 'deliberate' and 'suspected malicious' intentions.
	(ii) Good intention: the call was made in good faith in the belief that the brigade really would attend a fire.
	(iii) Due to apparatus: the call was initiated by fire alarm and firefighting equipment operating (including accidental initiation of alarm apparatus by person).

A21

Archie Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many accidents occurred on the A21 between (a) Lamberhurst and Flimwell and (b) Tonbridge and Pembury in (i) May to December 1997, (ii) January to December 1998, (iii) January to December 1999, (iv) January to December 2000, (v) January to June 2001, and (vi) July to December 2001.

David Jamieson: holding answer 14 March 2002
	The figures requested are shown in the table:
	
		Injury accidents on the A21: GB 1997–2001
		
			  Year of accident  
			 Location 1997(11) 1998 1999 2000 2001 
		
		
			 Lamberhurst—Flimwell(12) 8 6 14 15 — 
			 Tonbridge—Pembury(13) 15 25 22 26 — 
		
	
	(11) Figures relate to May to December.
	(12) Figures relate to accidents on the A21 between the junction with the B2169 near Scotney Castle and the north end of the dual carriageway at Flimwell.
	(13) Figures relate to accidents on the A21 between the junction with the A26 at Quarry Hill and the junction with the A264.
	Note:
	Statistics are not yet available for 2001.

Central Railway

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will announce a decision on the Central Railway project; and if the proposal will use the hybrid Bill route.

David Jamieson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Luton, North (Mr. Hopkins) on 15 March 2002, Official Report, column 1276W.

Central Railway

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what studies he has commissioned into reopening sections of the Great Central railway line.

David Jamieson: None. However, the Strategic Rail Authority's Strategic Plan includes proposals to reopen to passenger services part of the Great Central alignment north of Aylesbury. The Government are also considering proposals by Central Railway plc. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport to my hon. Friend the Member for Luton, North (Mr. Hopkins) on 15 March 2002, Official Report, column 1276W.

Railtrack

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his estimate is of the date when bids will close for Railtrack in administration.

John Spellar: holding answer 18 March 2002
	This is a matter for the administrator.

Railway Fencing

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the state of fences alongside railway lines running into Romford.

David Jamieson: Railtrack advise that appropriate repairs are carried out as part of the company's on-going maintenance programme.

London Underground

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the expected annual investment spending this year is by London Underground; and what the figure was in 1996–97.

John Spellar: London Underground is currently forecasting that it will deliver investment expenditure of £422 million in 2001–02, against a Government target of at least £410 million. The equivalent investment figure for investment in the core underground network in 1996–97 at cash prices was £397 million.
	Capital renewals accounted for £198 million of the £397 million expenditure in 1996–97. The estimated investment expenditure for 2001–02 reflects London Underground Ltd.'s adoption in 1999 of Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 15, which requires that such expenditure must now either be charged to cost of operations, or capitalised as an addition to fixed assets.

Seamen's Certificate Requirements

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether he has proposed changes in the international seamen's certificate requirements to the relevant international organisations; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: No such changes in requirements have been proposed. The modernisation of seafarer identity documentation is being considered within the International Labour Organisation, to which reference was made during the intersessional meeting in February of the International Maritime Organisation on maritime security.

Harbour Authorities

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions under what statutory provisions a competent harbour authority is required to ensure the safe provision of a pilotage service.

David Jamieson: A competent harbour authority has a duty under section 2 of the Pilotage Act 1987 to keep under consideration whether any and, if so, what pilotage services need to be provided to secure the safety of ships navigating in or in the approaches to its harbour.

Harbour Authorities

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what legislative authority the Port Marine Safety Code carries.

David Jamieson: The legislative authority of the code comprises the legal duties and powers of harbour authorities relating to marine safety. It was agreed with the representative bodies with whom the code was developed that it did not need to create new legal duties for harbour authorities, and it has been implemented without the Government having to take—or confer on harbour authorities—any new powers for that purpose.

Harbour Authorities

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will review the Pilotage Act 1987.

David Jamieson: The Government has already undertaken a review of the Pilotage Act, which was published in July 1998.

Sangatte

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on freight transport movements of the closure of the facilities at Sangatte over the weekend of 8 to 10 March.

David Jamieson: The Sangatte centre did not close, nor did the nearby rail freight terminal at Fréthun operated by SNCF (the French railway company). Rail freight services to the UK through the channel tunnel are however currently severely disrupted as a result of the actions of would-be illegal immigrants trying to board the trains at Fréthun. SNCF are currently not accepting new traffic bound for the UK through the tunnel, while the backlog of trains in transit is cleared.
	We are continuing to press the French Government at the highest levels to ensure that sufficient police resources are made available as soon as possible to enable the normal level of freight services to resume, free from disruption.

Single European Sky

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his policy is on the Single European Sky.

David Jamieson: The Government are a strong supporter of the Single European Sky as we consider that it offers the best route to overcoming delays and congestion caused by the structural problems in Europe's Air Traffic Management (ATM) system. It should also improve safety, and provide the necessary framework for future air traffic growth.

Air Traffic Controllers

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if it was the intention of the Transport Bill of 2000 to make an air traffic controller personally responsible for accidents resulting from misreading the alpha-numeric data on the display screens.

David Jamieson: The position of an air traffic controller is unaffected by the enactment of the Transport Act 2000.

Airports (Security)

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what standards airport operators in the United Kingdom are required to meet regarding waiting time for passengers to pass through (a) security and (b) ticket checks, broken down by (i) airport and (ii) airport operator.

David Jamieson: There are no statutory requirements for airport operators with regard to waiting times for passengers passing through security and ticket checks. 20 UK airports and 10 UK airlines have, however, signed up to the Voluntary Commitments on Air Passenger Rights, which were launched at a Council of Europe ceremony in Strasbourg on 14 February. These contain non-legally binding commitments to deliver defined standards of service to air travellers, and waiting times and measures to speed up check-in are included within them.

Aircraft Safety

John Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will meet representatives of UK registered airlines to discuss the reduction of air flow by pilots in aircraft cabins.

David Jamieson: The issue of the reduction of airflow by pilots in aircraft cabins will be placed on the agenda for discussion at the next meeting of the Aviation Health Working Group, when representatives of UK registered airlines will be present.

Aircraft Safety

John Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the effect of a significant reduction in cabin air pressure on the health of airline passengers;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the effect of the reductions of air flow in cabins on the health of airline passengers.

David Jamieson: In 2001 the Government commissioned the Building Research Establishment Ltd. to undertake a review of the current state of research in a number of key areas of the aircraft cabin environment. BRE reported that some research has been carried out into the effects of cabin air ventilation rates on the health of passengers, but the report identified a number of areas where further research was needed. The inter-departmental Aviation Health Working Group is expected shortly to finalise a proposal for some of this work to be carried out.

Aircraft Safety

John Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will undertake an assessment of the extent to which pilots reduce air flow in passenger aircraft cabins and the reasons for doing so; and if he will issue guidelines on this issue.

David Jamieson: It is normal for air conditioning packs to be in operation during a flight. This is reflected in the manufacturers' instructions to crews and repeated in operators' manuals. On many aircraft it is possible to reduce the flow to a low setting, which is about 80 per cent. of the normal flow rate. However, there would be clear guidance in the operating manual that this setting should only be used when the aircraft is carrying significantly fewer passengers than the maximum. Figures would be specified.
	In the event of a problem with an air conditioning pack in flight, the problem pack can be switched off. The remaining pack(s) have the capacity to maintain cabin pressure and adequate conditioned air.
	In these circumstances the issuance of guidelines is not necessary.

UK Airlines

Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on what emergency aid schemes have been authorised to compensate UK airlines for losses caused by the closure of airspace between 11 and 14 September 2001.

David Jamieson: On 13 December my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced a package of up to £40 million in financial assistance designed to compensate UK airlines for the closure of US, Israeli and central London airspace in the period immediately following the terrorist attacks. Twelve claims for assistance under this scheme have been received and these are currently being examined. The European Commission authorised this scheme on 12 March and we expect to make payments shortly.

NATS

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions his Department had after 18 January concerning whether Swanwick should be taken into operation on 27 January.

David Jamieson: No such discussions were held.

NATS

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will publish the letter dated 8 January from HM Inspector of the Health and Safety Executive to the General Manager, NATS(En-Route)Ltd., concerning breaches of the Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992.

David Jamieson: HSE cannot publish this letter because of the restrictions placed on it by Section 28 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

NATS

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment has been made of the compliance of the new en-route centre at Swanwick with the (a) Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 and (b) BSEN 29241–3/ISO 9241–3.

David Jamieson: HSE inspectors and HSE's expert on display screen equipment visited the new en-route centre at Swanwick on 18 January. The purpose of this visit was to begin assessing NATS (En-Route) Limited's compliance with the Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992. Since the visit NATS have provided HSE with further information about the display screen equipment in use at the Swanwick centre and this has been used to complete HSE's assessment of compliance. HSE's expert took BSEN 29241–3/ISO 9241–3 into account in making the assessment.

NATS

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions for what reason the Health and Safety Executive considered issuing an enforcement order in respect of the equipment at the new en-route centre at Swanwick; for what reason the order was withdrawn; and what is being done to resolve these outstanding issues and improve safety at Swanwick.

David Jamieson: HSE's inspectors considered the working conditions at Swanwick against the Health and Safety Commission's expectations for enforcement and did not consider it appropriate to serve an enforcement notice. Therefore there is no question of a notice being withdrawn.
	HSE wrote to NATS on the 18 January summarising its concerns. HSE's expert on display screen equipment is finalising a detailed report on his findings. HSE will present that report to the management and employees' representatives at NATS shortly, and will require an action plan to address any matters which are outstanding at that time within an appropriate timescale.

NATS

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the Government intend to charge NATS public private partnership interest on tax proceeds from the Airland Group deferred sale; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: As part of the PPP, the Government received £35 million of deferred sales proceeds by way of a loan note from NATS. Interest has accrued, and will continue to accrue, on these notes since the date of sale. No tax is outstanding on which interest could be claimed.

NATS

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  if the CAA commissioned a formal ergonomic evaluation of the display screen equipment at the new en-route centre at Swanwick prior to granting approval for the equipment;
	(2)  pursuant to his answer of 25 February 2002, Official Report, column 1808W, for what reason the CAA gave NATS its final approval to take Swanwick into operation;
	(3)  what assessment has been made of the implications for air safety of the display screen equipment at the en-route centre at Swanwick.

David Jamieson: These are matters for the CAA as the independent aviation safety regulator.

NATS

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  when the promised capacity gains will be delivered by the Swanwick centre;
	(2)  for what purpose a further meeting was convened involving senior management staff from NATS, CAA and the Health and Safety Executive;
	(3)  if he will require NATS Ltd. to publish the management reports relating to the display screen equipment at the new en-route centre at Swanwick.

David Jamieson: These are operational matters for NATS.

NATS

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much public money has been paid to NATS since it became a PPP.

John Spellar: I refer right the hon. Member to the answer given by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Mr. Jamieson), on 11 March 2002, Official Report, column 741W to the hon. Member for Cotswold (Mr. Clifton-Brown). Of the £23 million referred to since the creation of the Public Private Partnership, on 26 July 2001, the residual balance of £200,000 has been paid to National Air Traffic Services.

Special Purpose Vehicle

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake work in connection with the South Coast upgrade; if he will place them in the Library; and what the (a) status of, (b) start date of and (c) expected completion date for such works is;
	(2)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the West Anglia Route Modernisation; if he will place them in the Library; and what is (a) the status of, (b) the start date of and (c) the expected completion date for such works;
	(3)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the Brighton Main Line upgrade; if he will place them in the Library; and what the (a) status of, (b) start date of and (c) expected completion date for such works is;
	(4)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the TransPennine upgrade (stations and new trains); if he will place them in the Library; and what is (a) the status of, (b) the start date of and (c) the expected completion date for such works;
	(5)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the Hurst Green to Uckfield electrification; if he will place them in the Library; and what is (a) the status of, (b) the start date of and (c) the expected completion date for such works;
	(6)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the Connex South Eastern platform extensions; if he will place them in the Library; and what the (a) status of, (b) start date of and (c) expected completion date for such works is;
	(7)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the Chiltern upgrade; if he will place them in the Library; and what is (a) the status of, (b) the start date of and (c) the expected completion date for such works;
	(8)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the South Central upgrade; if he will place them in the Library; and what is (a) the status of, (b) the start date of and (c) the expected completion date for such works;
	(9)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with Gatwick Station; if he will place them in the Library; and what the (a) status of, (b) start date of and (c) expected completion date for such works is;
	(10)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the South West Trains upgrade; if he will place them in the Library; and what the (a) status of, (b) start date of and (c) expected completion date for such works is;
	(11)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the Thameslink 2000; if he will place them in the Library; and what is (a) the status of, (b) the start date of and (c) the expected completion date for such works;
	(12)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the West Coast upgrade; if he will place them in the Library; and what the (a) status of, (b) start date of and (c) expected completion date for such works is;
	(13)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the Felixstowe to Nuneaton upgrade; if he will place them in the Library; and what is (a) the status of, (b) the start date of and (c) the expected completion date for such works;
	(14)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the Arun Valley upgrade; if he will place them in the Library; and what the (a) status of, (b) start date of and (c) expected completion date for such works is;
	(15)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the East London Line extension; if he will place them in the Library; and what is (a) the status of, (b) the start date of and (c) the expected completion date for such works;
	(16)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the Ashford to Hastings electrification; if he will place them in the Library; and what is (a) the status of, (b) the start date of and (c) the expected completion date for such works;
	(17)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the Midland Main Line upgrade (stations and new trains); if he will place them in the Library; and what the (a) status of, (b) start date of and (c) expected completion date for such works is;
	(18)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the Southampton to West Midlands upgrade; if he will place them in the Library; and what is (a) the status of, (b) the start date of and (c) the expected completion date for such works;
	(19)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the CrossCountry upgrade; if he will place them in the Library; and what the (a) status of, (b) start date of and (c) expected completion date for such works is;
	(20)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to provide new trains for Connex South Eastern; if he will place them in the Library; and what is (a) the status of, (b) the start date of and (c) the expected completion date for such works;
	(21)  what plans he has for the creation of a special purpose vehicle to undertake works in connection with the East Coast Main Line upgrade; if he will place them in the Library; and what is (a) the status of, (b) the start date of and (c) the expected completion date for such works.

Stephen Byers: holding answer 12 March 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to answers given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Mr. Jamieson) to the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling) on 4 February 2002, Official Report, columns 728–29W. Special purpose vehicles are a potential option for taking forward projects involving new or enhanced rail infrastructure. Their use will be a matter for commercial negotiation between interested parties.

Wembley Park Underground

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how he plans to respond to the London Development Agency/ London Underground report on the options for increasing capacity at Wembley Park underground station.

Stephen Byers: I welcome this report, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House. It demonstrates that it should be possible to make real improvements to capacity and access—particularly for disabled people—without the need to rebuild Wembley Park Station.
	While the report's proposals are significantly less expensive than rebuilding the station, they cannot be accommodated within the £20 million which the Government have already agreed to make available for infrastructure improvements. In the light of this new evidence, I have now decided that if the stadium development proceeds, I should make available additionally up to £7 million from my transport provision. This would make it easier for people travelling to the new stadium, as well as those living and working in the area. I understand that the Mayor of London has also agreed to make available a similar sum.

Houses in Multiple Occupation

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the reason for the delay in the drafting of legislation for the regulation of HMOs.

Stephen Byers: The Government are committed to introducing a national licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and we consulted on our proposals in 1999. We remain committed to legislating for this at the earliest possible opportunity.
	The Government are also currently supporting the Home Energy Conservation Bill promoted by my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, Kemptown (Dr. Turner). This Bill would introduce reforms to the current discretionary HMO registration regime, most notably by making it mandatory and providing for a revised definition of an HMO.

Public-Private Partnerships

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 4 March 2002, ref. 37622, on reputational externalities, what is the size of the adjustment made for reputational externalities in the calculations underlying the final assessment report; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 4 March 2002, Official Report, column 83W.

Public Bodies

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many appointments to public bodies have been made through his Department (a) from April 2000 to March 2001 and (b) since 31 March 2001; and how many of these were (i) men and (ii) women.

Sally Keeble: Ministers in this Department have appointed or reappointed (a) 116 people in the year April 2000 to March 2001 (i) 82 of whom are men and (ii) 34 women and (b) 100 people since 31 March 2001 (i) 58 of whom are men and (ii) 42 women.

Transport and Telecommunications Council

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether a Scottish Executive Minister will be a member of the UK delegation to the forthcoming Transport and Telecommunications European Union Council of Ministers meeting on 25–26 March; and what information is being provided by his Department to guarantee effective pre-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament.

David Jamieson: There are no plans for a Minister from the Scottish Executive to be a member of the UK delegation to the Transport and Telecommunications Council on 25–26 March.
	In developing the UK position, there is regular contact between Ministers and officials of the Department and the Scottish Executive on those issues in which there is a Scottish interest, as required by the memorandum of understanding between the UK Government and the three devolved Administrations. The then Transport Minister in the Scottish Executive attended the Transport Council on 28 June 2001 as part of the UK delegation.

Councils

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of (a) district, (b) county and (c) Metropolitan councils he estimates will be judged as coasting.

Stephen Byers: No such estimate exists. The categorisation will be for the Audit Commission.

Continuous Registration

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to move to a system of continuous registration of all motor vehicles; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: A proposal to introduce continuous registration—under which the keeper of a vehicle would retain a statutory responsibility to license it until DVLA was notified of a change of keeper—was one of a number of proposals set out by the Government in its consultation document on abandoned vehicles in October 2001. My right hon. Friend intends to make an announcement on the outcome of the consultation shortly.

National Celebrations

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what arrangements his Department has made to celebrate (a) St. Patrick's Day, (b) St. George's Day, (c) St. Andrew's Day and (d) Her Majesty the Queen's Golden Jubilee; and how his Department celebrated St. David's Day.

Alan Whitehead: Holding answer: Monday 11 March 2002
	The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions has fully supported the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in making suitable arrangements for Her Majesty the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. Details of those events may be found on the Golden Jubilee website at www.goldenjubilee.gov.uk.
	My Department has no specific arrangements to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, St. George's Day or St. Andrew's Day. My Department did not specifically celebrate St. David's Day.

Shoreham Harbour

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will publish the dates and minutes of meetings of the Maritime Vision for Shoreham Harbour Steering Group since its inception.

David Jamieson: The Shoreham Maritime Regeneration Strategy was set up in May 1998 to foster the regeneration of Shoreham Harbour. The Shoreham Maritime Steering Group is seeking to implement this strategy and has since been holding regular meetings. Although the Government Office for the South East is a partner of the Steering Group, it is not within the remit of the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions to publish the dates and minutes of these meetings.

Shoreham Harbour

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  what feasibility study he has carried out into the provision of a road link between the A259 at Shoreham Harbour with the A27; and when he plans to publish the findings;
	(2)  what discussions he has had with Shoreham Port Authority about the provision of a link road between the A259 at Shoreham Harbour and the A27.

Sally Keeble: No discussions have been held with Shoreham Port Authority regarding the provision of a link road between the A259 and the A27. There is no Government-led study into such a link road but there is a wider local authority study currently taking place. This work includes a variety of separate work streams looking at the regeneration potential for the port area, and the feasibility of facilitating much of the future potential for local and port development.

Fire Stations

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many functioning fire stations there were, broken down by fire brigade area, in each year since 1997.

Stephen Byers: The number of fire stations in each fire authority area in England and Wales as at 1 January from 1997 to 2002 is in the table:
	
		Number of fire stations in England and Wales at 1 January 1997–2002
		
			 Fire authority 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 
		
		
			 Avon 23 23 23 23 23 23 
			 Bedfordshire and Luton 14 14 14 14 14 14 
			 Buckinghamshire 20 20 20 20 20 20 
			 Cambridgeshire and Peterborough 28 28 28 28 28 28 
			 Cheshire 24 24 24 24 24 24 
			 Cleveland 15 15 15 15 15 15 
			 Cornwall 31 31 31 31 31 31 
			 County Durham and Darlington 16 15 15 15 15 15 
			 Cumbria 38 38 38 38 38 38 
			 Derbyshire 31 31 31 31 31 31 
			 Devon 58 58 58 58 58 58 
			 Dorset 29 29 29 29 29 30 
			 East Sussex 24 24 24 24 24 24 
			 Essex 51 51 51 51 51 51 
			 Gloucestershire 20 20 20 20 20 20 
			 Greater Manchester 43 43 43 43 43 43 
			 Hampshire 54 54 54 54 52 52 
			 Hereford and Worcester 26 26 26 26 26 27 
			 Hertfordshire 32 32 32 32 32 32 
			 Humberside 31 31 31 31 31 32 
			 Isle of Wight 10 10 10 10 10 10 
			 Isles of Scilly 7 7 7 7 7 7 
			 Kent and Medway Towns 66 66 66 66 66 66 
			 Lancashire 40 40 40 40 40 40 
			 Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland 20 20 20 20 20 20 
			 Lincolnshire 37 37 37 37 38 38 
			 London 113 113 113 113 112 112 
			 Merseyside 27 27 27 26 26 26 
			 Mid and West Wales 57 57 57 57 57 57 
			 Norfolk 40 40 40 40 40 40 
			 North Wales 44 44 44 44 44 44 
			 North Yorkshire 37 37 37 37 37 37 
			 Northamptonshire 22 22 22 22 22 22 
			 Northumberland 19 19 19 19 19 19 
			 Nottinghamshire and City of Nottingham 25 25 25 25 25 25 
			 Oxfordshire 24 24 24 24 24 24 
			 Royal Berkshire 20 20 20 20 20 20 
			 Shropshire 23 23 23 23 23 23 
			 Somerset 24 24 24 24 24 24 
			 South Wales 50 50 50 50 50 50 
			 South Yorkshire 24 24 24 24 24 24 
			 Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire 30 30 30 30 30 30 
			 Suffolk 36 36 36 36 36 36 
			 Surrey 24 24 24 24 24 24 
			 Tyne and Wear 18 19 19 19 19 19 
			 Warwickshire 20 20 20 19 19 19 
			 West Midlands 41 41 41 41 41 41 
			 West Sussex 28 28 28 28 28 28 
			 West Yorkshire 50 50 50 50 50 50 
			 Wiltshire and Swindon 25 25 25 25 25 25 
		
	
	Source:
	DTLR calendar year returns.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Departmental Reorganisation

Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to reorganise his Department.

Alistair Darling: The Department for Work and Pensions was set up last year to bring together the Government's Welfare to Work programme and to ensure a far better focus on the people we serve. As part of this programme of reform, I am setting up two new executive agencies in April: Jobcentre Plus, which will deliver an integrated, work-focused service to benefit claimants of working age and to employers; and The Pension Service, which will deliver a service dedicated to today's and tomorrow's pensioners.
	In consequence of these changes, the Benefits Agency and the Employment Service will close on 31 March. The Department's other executive agencies (the Child Support Agency and The Appeals Service) will continue. Disability and carer benefits will be delivered by a distinct business—the Disability and Carers Service—which will work closely with both Jobcentre Plus and The Pension Service. The Child Benefit Centre will form a separate business until its transfer to the Inland Revenue in April 2003.
	The targets I have set Jobcentre Plus and The Pension Service for 2002–03 are given below.
	Further information on Jobcentre Plus and The Pension Service plans for 2002–03 is contained in their business plans, copies of which have been placed in the Library.
	I am also publishing today a departmental framework which sets out the main roles and accountabilities of each part of the Department, including its executive agencies, and the shared values and ways of working which ensure that the Department delivers a common agenda of reform. The framework incorporates the roles of each of the Department's executive agencies and replaces traditional free-standing agency framework documents. Targets
	Jobcentre Plus
	Jobcentre Plus performance will be measured against the following targets 1 :
	Job outcomes: To achieve a total points score of 6,656,000, based on job entry outcomes Jobcentre Plus achieves.
	Business delivery: To ensure that specified key Jobcentre Plus business processes are delivered efficiently, accurately and to specified standards in 93.4 per cent. of cases checked (with a Jobcentre Plus management objective that no district will fall below 85 per cent. by the end of the year).
	Fraud and error: By March 2003 to reduce losses from fraud and error in working age income support and jobseeker's allowance to no more than 7 per cent. of the monetary value of these benefits paid during the year.
	Employer outcomes: At least 85 per cent. of employers placing their vacancies with Jobcentre Plus will have a positive outcome.
	Customer service: To achieve a 79 per cent. customer service level in the delivery of the standards set out in the customers and employers charters (with a Jobcentre Plus management objective that individual regions will achieve specified levels by the end of the year).
	The Pension Service
	The Pension Service's performance will be measured against the following targets:
	Customer service: To improve customer service in line with the standards set out in The Pension Service customer charter 2 .
	Accuracy: To achieve an accuracy rate of 94 per cent. on awards of MIG and of 98 per cent. on awards of retirement pension.
	MIG claims processing:
	To complete processing of MIG claims on average within 10 working days from the date the necessary evidence is received.
	Fraud and error: To make progress in reducing the value of MIG fraud and customer error towards an overall reduction of 20 per cent. by 2004.
	Winter fuel payments: To issue winter fuel payments for 2002–03 (all automatic payments and successful claims received before 20 September 2002) by Christmas 2002.
	Retirement pension forecasts: To provide 95 per cent. of retirement pension forecasts within 40 days of receipt of the request.
	Performance levels: To establish a baseline of performance across The Pension Service, to enable the setting of performance variation targets in 2003–04.
	Sickness absence: To reduce the average sickness absence rate to 9.4 days by December 2002.
	1 A full explanation of the Jobcentre Plus targets is contained in the performance agreement, copies of which have been placed in the Library.
	2 The Pension Service customer charter will be published in April, to coincide with the launch of The Pension Service.

Pensions

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many couples getting divorced have applied to the courts to share their pension rights between them since December 2000.

Rosie Winterton: I have been asked to reply.
	Information on applications for pension sharing is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. My Department has, however, been monitoring pension sharing orders made by the courts and our records show that 217 such orders have been made in England and Wales since December 2000.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Small Businesses

John Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the exclusion of retail businesses from the small firms loan guarantee scheme.

Patricia Hewitt: Retailing was originally included in the small firms loan guarantee scheme. Along with a number of other local service sectors it was excluded in April 1993. This followed an external evaluation report on the scheme that showed support for firms in these sectors was largely at the expense of displacing business from other local firms.

Small Businesses

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Small Business Service's pilot scheme.

Nigel Griffiths: The Government does not want to see viable companies with good long-term potential being wound up because of temporary financial difficulties.
	The pilot project is about determining the most effective means of rescuing such companies. Business survival rates for companies in the scheme will be monitored. Assessment of the impact of the pilot will take place and a full analysis in September 2002.

Trade Partners UK

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the (a) functions, (b) staffing and (c) funding at Trade Partners UK .

Patricia Hewitt: Trade Partners UK brings together the joint work of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department of Trade and Industry in support of British trade and investment overseas. Details of its functions, staffing and funding are set out in "British Trade International, The Government's Expenditure Plans 2001–02 to 2003–04 and Main Estimates 2001–02", Cm 5123, a copy of which has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Trade Partners UK

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many requests for assistance were received by Trade Partners UK in the first six months of 2001; how many were refused; and what the grounds were for refusal.

Patricia Hewitt: Trade Partners UK provides advice, information and support to over 20,000 businesses each year through a variety of schemes and through a network of offices which spans the English regions, overseas diplomatic posts and a range of partner organisations. Information on requests for assistance which are refused is not available.

Trade Partners UK

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria must be satisfied for an individual or company to receive assistance from Trade Partners UK .

Patricia Hewitt: Trade Partners UK provides a range of information, advice and support to business. Detailed eligibility criteria vary according to the nature of specific schemes. The general factors to be taken into account were set out by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in his reply to the hon. Member on 14 February 2002, Official Report, column 611W.

Trade Partners UK

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the functions of Trade Partners UK include (a) assistance to individuals or companies attempting to make acquisitions overseas and (b) scrutiny to ensure that the acquisition is in the interests of the UK.

Patricia Hewitt: Trade Partners UK's public service agreement performance target is 'enhanced competitiveness of companies in the UK through overseas sales and investments'. It therefore supports overseas investment by companies in the UK where there is a benefit to the UK in doing so. Each case is considered on its own merits and Trade Partners UK has access to a range of information and advice through the DTI, FCO and other Departments, as appropriate, in doing so.

Internal Market, Consumer Affairs and Tourism Council (Scottish representation)

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reason no devolved Administration Minister attended the Internal Market, Consumer Affairs and Tourism European Union Council of Ministers meeting on 1 March; which particular matters of concern from the Scottish Executive were raised in their absence by the UK Government delegation; and what information is being provided by her Department to guarantee effective post-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament.

Melanie Johnson: holding answer 12 March 2002
	The composition of the UK delegation to specific Council of Ministers meetings is decided in accordance with the Concordat on the Co-ordination of EU Policy Issues.
	A report on the Council and matters on which I spoke is set out in my answer, of 13 March 2002, Official Report, columns 1075–76W. Post-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament is a matter for that Parliament and for the Scottish Executive. Reports of Council meetings are available to Scottish Executive officials and my officials stand ready to provide other information in line with the provisions of the Concordat.

Patent Office

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what powers she has to ensure that the Patent Office acts in a fair and impartial way.

Melanie Johnson: The Patent Office is an Executive Agency of the Department of Trade and Industry. The Agency Framework Document sets out the functions, aims and objectives of the Patent Office. It also lists the legislation under which the Patent Office has specific responsibility for the administration of domestic and international law on intellectual property. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry determines the policy framework within which the Patent Office operates, sets out key financial and performance targets and approves the Agency's Corporate Plan. Day to day management of the Patent Office is delegated to the Chief Executive of the Agency. The decisions of the Patent Office are subject to statutory routes of appeal.

Patent Office

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had with Patent Office officials regarding a campaign by the charity ActionAid.

Melanie Johnson: DTI officials were contacted by the Patent Office at the beginning of February, about the campaign by the charity ActionAid. Patent Office staff dealt with subsequent media inquiries regarding the campaign.

Insolvency

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (a) small and medium enterprises and (b) other companies were declared insolvent in (i) 1997, (ii) 1998, (iii) 1999, (iv) 2000 and (v) 2001, in (A) north-west England, (B) north-east England, (C) the west midlands, (D) London, (E) south-east England, (F) Scotland and (G) Wales.

Melanie Johnson: Official insolvency statistics are not able to identify the size of the company involved.
	Company compulsory liquidations can be identified by location and are recorded under the official receiver's office and not by Government office regions. For example, insolvencies in Wales will be recorded under official receiver's offices in Cardiff and Swansea (South West) and Chester (North West).
	The table gives the company compulsory liquidations by region in each of the years 1997 to 2001.
	
		
			 Region 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 
		
		
			 Anglia 591 704 719 672 708 
			 London 1,060 1,487 1,161 951 911 
			 Midlands 602 589 605 664 553 
			 North East 608 531 599 546 504 
			 North West 556 537 714 597 586 
			 Public Interest Unit 0 0 37 94 150 
			 South East 770 781 768 769 715 
			 South West 548 587 606 632 548 
			 Scotland 254 338 364 344 378 
			  
			 Total (England & Wales) 4,735 5,216 5,209 4,925 4,675 
			   
			 Total for GB 4,989 5,554 5,573 5,269 5,053

Stop Now Orders

Ross Cranston: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many stop now orders were obtained up to 28 February; and what the subject matters were of those orders.

Melanie Johnson: No stop now orders have been made to date. Three cases have reached the courts.
	These cases involve infringements under various regulations including the Sale of Goods Act 1979, Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, and the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.
	In addition two local authorities have secured written undertakings under the Regulations, and other cases are under consideration.

Imperial Measures

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the cost was of the recent prosecution of vendors using the imperial standard of measurement; and if she will make a statement on the public interest involved in the prosecution.

Melanie Johnson: holding answer 14 March 2002
	The enforcement of weights and measures legislation is an independent statutory responsibility for local authorities. In the prosecutions before the High Court recently, the vendors unsuccessfully sought to challenge the enforcement of the metric legislation made in 1994.

Beer Orders

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs prior to the decision to revoke the beer orders.

Melanie Johnson: Since the beer orders no longer have any effect, it was not necessary to discuss the matter with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Beer Orders

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the impact that the revocation of the beer orders will have on Britain's micro-breweries; and whether a regulatory impact assessment has been produced.

Melanie Johnson: Following careful consideration of the Director-General of Fair Trading's review of the beer orders and taking into account the views of all interested parties, including those of micro-breweries, I decided that the beer orders are no longer relevant to the industry as it is currently structured. The provision on guest beers applied only to large brewers with tied estates. No such brewer now exists. Revocation will impose no costs on business and is deregulatory, so a regulatory impact assessment is unnecessary.

Wind Turbines

John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether she has received the findings of the study undertaken by her Department on interference to radar and navigational aid from wind turbines.

Brian Wilson: QinetiQ are undertaking a study with the objective of determining the effects of wind turbines sited adjacent to primary and secondary air traffic control and air defence radars. The study will also provide information needed for the generation of guidance notes for developers. The study is due for completion towards the end of 2002.

TRIPS

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress she and her fellow WTO Ministers have made towards lifting the restrictions within the TRIPS agreement on poorer countries' access to affordable medicines.

Patricia Hewitt: The Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, adopted at the WTO Ministerial in Doha in November last year, agreed that the TRIPS Agreement does not and should not prevent WTO Members from taking measures to protect public health.
	However, the Declaration recognised that WTO Members with insufficient or no manufacturing capacities in the pharmaceutical sector could face difficulties in making effective use of compulsory licensing under the TRIPS Agreement and instructed the TRIPS Council to find an expeditious solution to this problem before the end of 2002.
	The Government are keen to see a solution to this issue. Discussions in the TRIPS Council are ongoing.

Post Office

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what evaluation she has made of the feasibility of (a) auctioning and (b) charging a fee for licences for new post operators.

Douglas Alexander: Under the Postal Services Act 2000 the licensing of postal operators is a matter for the Postal Services Commission (known as Postcomm).
	The legislation says that Postcomm has the power to require an application for a licence to be accompanied by such reasonable application fee as it may determine. Postcomm does not have the power under the Postal Services Act to charge a fee for licences or to auction them.

Urban Postal Services

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will place a copy of the agreement negotiated between the Post Office and the National Federation of Sub Postmasters, regarding the future of the urban network, in the Library.

Douglas Alexander: This is an operational matter for Consignia. As such, any provisional terms, negotiated between Consignia and the National Federation of Sub Postmasters on the future of the urban post office network, are commercially confidential.

Stolen Equipment

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer of 24 January 2002, Official Report, column 1071W, on stolen equipment, what criminal proceedings have been undertaken for cases of theft against her Department, stating in each case (a) whether the proceedings (i) led to a criminal conviction and (ii) were unsuccessful, (b) the cost incurred by her Department in pursuing a conviction and (c) the value of items recovered; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: holding answer 18 March 2002
	There are no cases of theft where criminal proceedings were undertaken by the Department. Where appropriate the police would have been informed of the theft but the Department has no record of the outcome of police investigations.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

School Computers (Pornographic Material)

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 5 February 2002, (ref 31830), what the normal disciplinary procedures are that head teachers should take when (a) a member of staff and (b) a student is discovered to have used school computers for viewing pornographic material.

John Healey: In the case of (a), the procedure that would apply would be the staff disciplinary procedure of the school in question. In general, misusing a school computer in this way would constitute very serious or gross misconduct, and could possibly result in dismissal. Where applicable the school's procedure may be deferred pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.
	In the case of (b) the normal disciplinary procedure would be for the head teacher to consider all the relevant facts and such evidence as may be available to support the allegation made, allowing the student to give his or her version of events. If the head teacher is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the student did what he or she is alleged to have done, he or she may exclude the student for a fixed period or permanently. Misuse of computers by students to view pornographic material is a very serious matter and exclusion for a fixed period or permanently would be an appropriate response to such behaviour.
	We are, however, also determined to help schools ensure that teachers and pupils do not access unsuitable material while accessing the wealth of educationally valuable material on the internet. We have produced detailed guidance for schools about the wide range of measures they can adopt. These include use of walled gardens and filtering software, monitoring and tracking pupil access, and providing 'user contracts' for pupils, spelling out how they should behave.

Capita Contracts

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much public money the Capita-administered schemes within the Department have paid out.

Ivan Lewis: Capita has administered three schemes on behalf of my Department and its predecessors: teachers' pensions, Connexions card and individual learning accounts. Since 1996 approximately £19 billion of public money has been paid out under these schemes, largely in pensions-related payments to former teachers.

Individual Learning Accounts

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many people took advantage of individual learning accounts in (a) the UK, (b) the north-east, (c) south Tyneside and (d) the Jarrow constituency.

John Healey: Prior to the closure of the programme, some 2.6 million individuals opened individual learning accounts in England. Of these 1.4 million had booked learning. The table sets out the number of individuals in the north-east and Jarrow who took advantage of the help available through the individual learning accounts programme. It has not been possible to provide this for south Tyneside.
	
		
			 Area Number of active accounts 
		
		
			 North-east(14) 56,501 
			 Jarrow(15) 1,502 
		
	
	(14) North-east figure based on Government office north-east area.
	(15) Jarrow figure based on post codes NE31, 32, 35 and 36.

School Playing Fields

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations have been received by her Department in relation to disposal of school playing fields in the London borough of Haringey.

John Healey: holding answer 5 March 2002
	Since the introduction, in October 1998, of legislation to protect school playing fields, the Department has not received any representations in relation to the disposal of school playing fields in the London borough of Haringey.

Education Funding (Liverpool)

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much (a) capital and (b) revenue funding has been made available to schools and colleges in Liverpool in each year since 1997.

John Healey: Nationally, capital investment in school buildings has more than tripled from less than £700 million in 1996–97 to over £2.2 billion in 2001–02, and will rise to over £3.5 billion a year by 2003–04, totalling £8.5 billion from 2001–02 to 2003–04. Table A shows the total capital investment of over £168 million in school buildings in Liverpool from 1997–98 to 2001–02, including £74.3 million of PFI credits.
	For revenue funding, between 1997–98 and 2001–02, Liverpool has seen a significant increase in its Education Standard Spending Assessment (SSA) and grants, as set out in Table B.
	The overall settlement for 2002–03 is a good one, and Liverpool's pupils will further benefit. Its Education SSA will increase by £11.33 million or 4.48 per cent. over 2001–02. Liverpool will also benefit from an overall increase in Standards Fund grant of over £160 million; and an increase of 2.75 per cent. in the direct grant for schools. In addition, Liverpool will receive £8.04 million extra in revenue support grant (RSG) from the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions to bring its overall increase in RSG up to 4 per cent.
	The Learning and Skills Council will write to the hon. Member about resources provided to colleges, and a copy of its letter will be placed in the Library.
	
		Table A -- Schools Capital Allocations By Central GovernmentLiverpool Local Education Authority
		
			 Year Capital Allocation £ million 
		
		
			 1997–98 15.306 
			 1998–99 20.104 
			 1999–2000 13.967 
			 2000–01 97.961 
			 2001–02 20.785 
			  
			 Total 168.123 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Allocations comprise capital grant and credit approvals including PFI credits for school buildings
	2. The figure for 2000–01 includes £74.3 million of PFI credits
	
		Table B -- Grants and SSALiverpool Local Education Authority
		
			   £ million  
			   SSA Grants Total 
		
		
			 1997–98 210.173 8.092 218.265 
			 1998–99 229.914 2.798 232.712 
			 1999–2000 238.304 7.773 246.077 
			 2000–01 248.414 26.076 274.490 
			 2001–02 252.286 44.743 297.029 
			 Change(16) 42.113 36.651 78.764 
		
	
	(16) Change since 1997–98
	Notes:
	1. Figures reflect all sub-blocks of the Education SSA plus all revenue grants in DfES's Departmental Expenditure Limits relevant to pupils aged 4–19. The Private Voluntary Independent element of the SSA that replaced Nursery Education Grant funding is not included in the funding figures.
	2. Grant figures exclude funds that include ages before 4 years old, Ethnic Minority Achievement Grant and Education Maintenance Allowance.

University Funding

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to link funding for universities to the socio-economic background of students admitted to those universities; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 6 March 2002
	The Government is promoting wider access to universities. As part of this, the Higher Education Funding Council for England provides funding to higher education institutions to reflect the additional costs of recruiting students from low participation postcodes.

School Buildings

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the level of capital investment in school buildings in (a) coalfield areas and (b) England has been since 1997.

John Healey: We do not hold information on the level of capital investment in school buildings in coalfield areas. The Department allocates most capital funding for schools to Local Education Authorities (LEAs), based on needs related formulae, and it is for the Authorities to assess and prioritise the capital needs of their school buildings in line with their local Asset Management Plans (AMPs). Individual LEAs will, therefore, hold information on how much capital investment has been allocated to schools within coalfield areas.
	The table below shows the level of central government support for capital investment in school buildings in England for each financial year from 1997–98 to 2003–04.
	
		
			 Year Capital allocation £000s 
		
		
			 1997–98 755 
			 1998–99 1,088 
			 1999–2000 1,400 
			 2000–01 2,100 
			 2001–02 2,200 
			 2002–03 2,800 
			 2003–04 3,500 
			  
			 Total 13,843

Pupil Numbers

Adrian Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many pupils there are in each local education authority in the South West of England.

Stephen Timms: The information requested is shown in the table below.
	
		All Schools: Number (headcount) of Pupils By Type of School -- January 2001
		
			  Nursery   
			   LEA Mntd Direct Grant Total maintained Primary of which middle deemed Maintained secondary of which middle deemed 
		
		
			 South West 2,003 0 2,003 399,918 6,420 314,652 14,763 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 0 0 0 12,924 0 12,273 0 
			 Bournemouth 0 0 0 11,449 0 9,770 0 
			 Bristol, City of 1,658 0 1,658 31,597 0 17,907 0 
			 Cornwall 117 0 117 41,146 0 32,011 0 
			 Devon 77 0 77 56,503 2,690 39,832 0 
			 Dorset 0 0 0 25,374 0 29,319 8,096 
			 Gloucestershire 0 0 0 46,407 0 38,165 0 
			 Isles of Scilly 0 0 0 140 0 124 0 
			 North Somerset 0 0 0 14,927 0 12,269 0 
			 Plymouth 151 0 151 21,285 0 18,829 0 
			 Poole 0 0 0 11,250 3,730 8,197 673 
			 Somerset 0 0 0 38,894 0 31,214 4,782 
			 South Gloucestershire 0 0 0 23,462 0 16,442 0 
			 Swindon 0 0 0 17,901 0 11,561 0 
			 Torbay 0 0 0 10,328 0 8,708 0 
			 Wiltshire 0 0 0 36,331 0 28,031 1,212 
		
	
	
		
			  Special(17)   
			   LEA Mntd Non-Mntd Total Pupil Referral Units(18) Independent City Technology Colleges All Schools 
		
		
			 South West 7,364 508 7,872 620 61,494 1,017 787,576 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 317 0 317 0 4,264 0 29,778 
			 Bournemouth 235 0 235 0 1,550 0 23,004 
			 Bristol, City of 804 0 804 3 7,855 0 59,824 
			 Cornwall 414 0 414 0 2,567 0 76,255 
			 Devon 773 304 1,077 23 8,913 0 106,425 
			 Dorset 523 0 523 10 5,830 0 61,056 
			 Gloucestershire 1,055 68 1,123 60 8,339 0 94,094 
			 Isles of Scilly 0 0 0 0 8 0 272 
			 North Somerset 242 0 242 56 1,273 0 28,767 
			 Plymouth 742 0 742 86 1,550 0 42,643 
			 Poole 248 102 350 24 1,134 0 20,955 
			 Somerset 599 0 599 75 9,532 0 80,314 
			 South Gloucestershire 322 0 322 119 793 1,017 42,155 
			 Swindon 411 0 411 29 28 0 29,930 
			 Torbay 311 0 311 25 930 0 20,302 
			 Wiltshire 368 34 402 110 6,928 0 71,802 
		
	
	(17) Excludes pupils who are also registered at a mainstream school.
	(18) Excludes pupils who are also registered at a mainstream or special school.
	Source:
	Annual Schools Census

School Land Sales

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 29 January 2002, Official Report, column 231W, on school land sales, what rules govern whether a local education authority has to obtain permission to sell school land to developers; and if she will make a statement.

John Healey: holding answer 11 March 2002
	Section 77 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 requires local authorities to obtain the consent of the Secretary of State before selling any playing fields which:
	(a) are used by a maintained school for the purposes of the school, or
	(b) have been used at any time within the last 10 years.
	Applications to dispose, or change the use, of school playing fields are assessed against the following criteria:
	i. schools' needs: that playing field provision and curriculum requirements at the school making the disposal, and at other schools in the local area, will be met;
	ii. community needs: that community use of a school's playing fields is taken into account, with alternative facilities made available if necessary;
	iii. finance: that any sale proceeds are re-invested to provide new or improved sports facilities at schools, or are used to help to raise standards by providing better educational facilities.
	Only those applications that meet the criteria are approved. Since July 2001, all applications have been scrutinised by the Independent School Playing Fields Advisory Panel to make sure that they comply with the published criteria. The Panel comprises representatives from the National Playing Fields Association, the Central Council of Physical Recreation, the education organisation Learning through Landscapes, the National Association of Head Teachers and the Local Government Association.

Woodmancote Primary School

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions she has had with Gloucestershire County Council about proposals to sell land of Woodmancote Primary School to developers; and if she will make a statement.

John Healey: holding answer 11 March 2002
	The Department has not had any discussions with Gloucestershire County Council about proposals to sell land at Woodmancote Primary School.

Wired Communities Projects

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to continue the wired communities projects.

John Healey: The Wired Up Communities initiative is currently being piloted in seven areas across the country. A final evaluation report is now due in November 2002. After carefully considering this report, decisions will be made on any extension of the scheme to other communities.

Wired Communities Projects

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what evaluation she has undertaken on the wired communities projects; and if she will place a copy in the Library.

John Healey: An interim evaluation report collecting baseline information from the phase 1 wired up communities pilot in Kensington (Liverpool) was produced in September 2001. Further data collection activities in the six phase 2 projects are currently taking place. The final evaluation report was due to have been published in April 2002 but delays in some projects becoming operational has put the expected publication back to November 2002. A copy of the final report will be placed in the Library.

Wired Communities Projects

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the gender breakdown is of those involved in (a) IT for All and (b) wired communities projects.

John Healey: The IT for All scheme was a DTI initiative which ended in 2000. I have no information on the gender breakdown of those involved.
	At this stage we do not have evaluation details from the six phase 2 wired up communities projects, but the phase 1 project located in Kensington (Liverpool) shows a 54 per cent. female: 46 per cent. male split within the representative sample. Data are currently being collected from the phase 2 projects and these will be available in April 2002.

Drinking Water

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what information she has collated on the number of schools which make provision for access to drinking water throughout the school day.

John Healey: The Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999 require all schools to have a wholesome supply of drinking water. The Department for Education and Skills does not collect information about pupils' access to drinking water throughout the school day.

Drinking Water

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance she has issued in respect of access throughout the school day to drinking water.

John Healey: The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) produced guidance in April 2001, to assist school caterers to implement nutritional standards for school lunches. This guidance states that the Secretary of State expects that drinking water should be available to all pupils, every day, free of charge.
	The DfES circular, 0029/2000 (Standards for School Premises), gives advice on health and safety matters that schools should consider when positioning drinking water outlets. It also recommends that the pattern of demand for drinking water outlets should be considered by local education authorities, governing bodies and others when deciding how drinking water should be provided on school premises.

Drinking Water

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what funding there is to meet the costs of the installation of drinking water supply to schools in Stoke on Trent, North; and if she will make a statement.

John Healey: All schools are required to have a wholesome supply of drinking water. As this is a fundamental requirement for all school premises and should be installed when they are built, there is no specific capital funding available. We expect governing bodies and local education authorities to secure a continuing wholesome water supply to all schools as part of their duty to secure the health and safety of staff and pupils, and are sure that this is an important consideration for local education authorities in considering how to distribute capital funding.

Drinking Water

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what surveys she has conducted into the access to, and availability of, drinking water in schools.

John Healey: The Department for Education and Skills has not conducted any surveys of access to, and availability of, drinking water in schools. It is for local education authorities, governors and schools to decide how and when drinking water should be made available to pupils.

Learning Support Units

Stephen Hesford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many learning support units there are.

Ivan Lewis: There are approximately 1,090 learning support units in schools in England. We plan to increase this total further as independent evaluation of LSUs shows that they improve behaviour and cut exclusions. Phase 3 of Excellence in Cities and the Excellence Cluster programme should provide another 140 LSUs and up to 50 more outside the Excellence in Cities programme will be set up shortly.

Secondments

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to the answer of 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 236–37W on secondments, to which appointments the staff from (a) Ernst and Young and (b) PricewaterhouseCoopers were seconded.

Ivan Lewis: The seven secondees were appointed to provide policy advice, in the areas of the Department set out in the table.
	
		
			 Parent organisation Area of work Number 
		
		
			 Ernst and Young School leadership 2 
			  Teachers pay and pensions 2 
			  Transforming secondary education delivery unit 2 
			 PricewaterhouseCoopers Surestart unit 1

Computers

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 8 March 2002, Official Report, column 633W, what the total cost was of the Computers Within Reach pilot scheme; how much funding remains; what evaluation has been made of the success of the scheme; and how this will inform future policy on the computers within reach concept.

John Healey: To date, the Computers Within Reach scheme has cost just under £5.5 million, leaving £9.5 million of Capital Modernisation Funding (CMF) for a further phase or alternative scheme.
	An external research evaluation has been carried out and the final report was received recently. This indicates the scheme successfully reached target groups and contributed positively to increased use of ICT among recipients and their families.
	This report has contributed to our overall evaluation of the scheme and future policy will take this into consideration as well as the value for money of recycled computers compared with new ones and the technical and logistical issues that affect the recycled computer market.

IT Contracts

Valerie Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures she is taking to encourage competition (a) for departmental IT contracts and (b) for local education authority IT contracts.

Ivan Lewis: The Department follows EC Directives and UK Regulations in letting contracts, including those for IT goods and services. The Department works with the Office of Government Commerce to achieve enhanced competition in all market sectors.
	Section 5 of the Local Government Act 1999 requires Best Value authorities to carry out reviews of the services they provide. This applies to local education authorities' IT requirements and, where they take on the role, for provision of IT requirements on behalf of the schools within their area.
	The Department through BECTa has established a pilot procurement advisory service to advise schools on IT procurement. BECTa are running a competition to accredit ICT suppliers for education.
	The Government has made it clear that the future for public service provision is one where there is real variety in the way services are delivered and genuine plurality among service providers. The objective is to not favour one supplier against another but to encourage diversity, innovation and the competitiveness of the supply base.

Golden Jubilee

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if commemorative items will be distributed to school children in celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cannock Chase on 28 January 2002, Official Report, column 131–132W.

Golden Jubilee

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps are being taken to educate and prepare school children for the Queen's Golden Jubilee; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: My Department has encouraged school children to play an active role in the Jubilee celebrations through its support of a range of projects, including a National Poetry Competition, the Commonwealth Games Spirit of Friendship Festival and the Millennium Children's Tapestry of Hope. Information about these projects and others, as well as helpful links to many useful resources for schools, are available on my Department's website at www.dfes/gov.uk/jubilee. I welcome the exciting and imaginative contributions school children are already making to the celebrations.

Engineering

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the (a) selection criteria for the engineering specialist schools, (b) time scale for selection of the schools and (c) schools selected to become engineering specialists.

Stephen Timms: The criteria against which engineering colleges are selected are set out in the booklet "Specialist Schools Programme: Engineering Colleges Applications: A Guide for Schools" a copy of which has been placed in the Library. The closing date for the first engineering college applications was 15 March and we expect to announce the names of successful applicants in July.

Technology Skills

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what instruction on the acquisition of technological and information technology skills are given to primary school teachers in their training.

John Healey: Before any trainee teacher, including trainee primary school teachers, can be awarded qualified teacher status they must demonstrate that they are competent in the use of ICT, both to teach their subject and to support their wider professional role.
	Serving teachers in maintained schools have, since 1998, had an entitlement to undertake ICT training funded by the New Opportunities Fund. This is designed to bring them to the same level of competence and confidence in the use of ICT in the classroom as their counterparts now entering the profession.
	The Government are now drawing up plans for further training in the use of ICT to support teachers' continuing professional development. A pilot scheme will be run in selected schools from April 2002.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Beef Exports

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has made to (a) the European Commission and (b) the French Government concerning beef exports to France; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 14 March 2002
	I made representations to both Commissioner Byrne and the then French Agriculture Minister during recent Agricultural Councils, making it clear that we expect France to lift its ban as soon as possible. I also raised this issue with the new French Agriculture Minister during the Agricultural Council on 18 and 19 March.
	We are confident the Commission will take the appropriate legal measures against the French if they continue to refuse to comply with the European Court of Justice Judgment.

Illegal Meat Imports

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 12 March 2002, Official Report, column 936W, on how many occasions, and when, members of the State Veterinary Service participated in exercises organised by Crawley borough council in respect of identifying illegal meat imports.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 18 March 2002
	Since April last year, members of the State Veterinary Service have participated in four exercises with the Crawley borough council in respect of identifying illegal meat imports. The dates of which are 10 April 2001, 25 April 2001, 30 April 2001 and 8 March 2002.

BSE (Sheep)

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if there have been confirmed cases of BSE in sheep since 1996 in the UK.

Elliot Morley: To date, no cases of BSE have been found in the national sheep flock. The numbers tested are still relatively low because there is no validated, rapid method for differentiating between BSE and scrapie. We have to use a number of different tests, including where possible, bioassay in mice. Of course the Government have in place a comprehensive risk management strategy, should the theoretical risk of BSE in sheep become a real one. This includes: the National Scrapie Plan, aiming to reduce, and eventually eliminate, scrapie in the national sheep flock; a contingency plan, drawn up in conjunction with industry and other stakeholders; a major ongoing sheep TSE research programme, which is kept under review; and removal of specified risk material from the food chain. Independent advice from the Food Standards Agency remains unchanged: the risk of BSE in sheep is still entirely theoretical and the agency is not advising against the consumption of sheep or lamb.

Foot and Mouth

Paddy Tipping: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 27 February 2002, ref. 37621, if she will list (a) the 160 sites where ash has been removed and (b) those sites where foot and mouth carcases and ash were deposited in 2001, where deposits are planned to be moved.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 12 March 2002
	The following is a listing by county in England and Wales of (a) the sites from which ash has been removed and (b) sites where ash is programmed to be moved or which are undergoing site specific risk assessment to assess whether or not the removal of ash is required. The list is by county, since the Department is constrained by the provisions of the Data Protection Act from providing full addresses of all the sites. There are no current plans to exhume carcases at any sites.
	
		
			 County in England and Wales  
		
		
			 (a) Sites from where ash has been removed  
			 County Durham 10 
			 Cumbria 59 
			 Devon 16 
			 Gloucestershire 23 
			 Gwent 1 
			 Herefordshire 2 
			 Monmouthshire 3 
			 Northumberland 9 
			 Powys 16 
			 Shropshire 7 
			 Staffordshire 1 
			 Tyne and Wear 2 
			 Wiltshire 1 
			 Worcestershire 2 
			   
			 (b) Sites planned for ash removal  
			 County Durham 4 
			 Worcestershire 3 
			 Northumberland 1 
			 Tyne and Wear 2 
			 Powys 2

Agricultural Produce (Balance of Trade)

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the balance of trade was in agricultural produce between the United Kingdom and (a) the EU, (b) the USA and (c) the rest of the world in each of the last five years.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 14 March 2002
	The tables show the balance of trade in food, feed and drink between the United Kingdom and (a) the EU (b) the USA and (c) all other countries in each of the last five years.
	
		UK trade in food, feed and drink with EU countries (1997–2001) -- £ million
		
			  Description  Exports  Imports Balance of trade 
		
		
			 1997
			 Meat and meat preparations 767 1,713 -946 
			 Dairy products and birds' eggs 469 987 -518 
			 Fish and fish preparations 551 250 302 
			 Cereals and cereal preparations 994 1,007 -13 
			 Vegetables and fruit 340 2,622 -2,282 
			 Sugars, sugar preparations and honey 191 235 -44 
			 Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices 370 584 -214 
			 Feeding stuff for animals 323 361 -38 
			 Miscellaneous edible products 315 792 -477 
			 Beverages 1,267 1,830 -563 
			 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 50 105 -55 
			 Oils and fats 173 380 -207 
			 Grand total 5,810 10,865 -5,055 
			 
			 1998
			 Meat and meat preparations 641 1,567 -926 
			 Dairy products and birds' eggs 524 990 -466 
			 Fish and fish preparations 657 279 378 
			 Cereals and cereal preparations 1,011 912 99 
			 Vegetables and fruit 315 2,747 -2,432 
			 Sugars, sugar preparations and honey 189 242 -53 
			 Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices 369 580 -210 
			 Feeding stuff for animals 297 320 -23 
			 Miscellaneous edible products 319 806 -486 
			 Beverages 1,281 1,945 -664 
			 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 50 77 -27 
			 Oils and fats 151 376 -225 
			 Grand total 5,805 10,841 -5,036 
			 
			 1999
			 Meat and meat preparations 562 1,693 -1,131 
			 Dairy products and birds' eggs 515 1,034 -518 
			 Fish and fish preparations 622 297 325 
			 Cereals and cereal preparations 907 881 26 
			 Vegetables and fruit 343 2,622 -2,279 
			 Sugars, sugar preparations and honey 168 245 -77 
			 Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices 366 589 -223 
			 Feeding stuff for animals 254 298 -44 
			 Miscellaneous edible products 336 839 -503 
			 Beverages 1,346 2,065 -719 
			 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 39 46 -7 
			 Oils and fats 117 387 -270 
			 Grand total 5,577 10,997 -5,420 
			 
			 2000
			 Meat and meat preparations 551 1,872 -1,322 
			 Dairy products and birds' eggs 483 1,053 -570 
			 Fish and fish preparations 574 311 263 
			 Cereals and cereal preparations 888 855 33 
			 Vegetables and fruit 294 2,567 -2,273 
			 Sugars, sugar preparations and honey 159 257 -98 
			 Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices 352 571 -219 
			 Feeding stuff for animals 236 334 -98 
			 Miscellaneous edible products 330 681 -351 
			 Beverages 1,311 1,832 -521 
			 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 18 57 -39 
			 Oils and fats 87 334 -247 
			 Grand total 5,283 10,725 -5,442 
			 
			 2001
			 Meat and meat preparations 373 2,124 -1,751 
			 Dairy products and birds' eggs 446 1,122 -676 
			 Fish and fish preparations 610 338 272 
			 Cereals and cereal preparations 770 972 -202 
			 Vegetables and fruit 301 2,614 -2,312 
			 Sugars, sugar preparations and honey 166 291 -125 
			 Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices 362 550 -188 
			 Feeding stuff for animals 214 341 -127 
			 Miscellaneous edible products 372 671 -298 
			 Beverages 1,359 1,876 -517 
			 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 10 91 -81 
			 Oils and fats 99 347 -248 
			 Grand total 5,082 11,335 -6,253 
		
	
	
		UK trade in food, feed and drink with USA (1997–2001) -- £ million
		
			  Description  Exports  Imports Balance of trade 
		
		
			 1997
			 Meat and meat preparations 9 13 -5 
			 Dairy products and birds' eggs 11 4 6 
			 Fish and fish preparations 17 65 -48 
			 Cereals and cereal preparations 29 63 -34 
			 Vegetables and fruit 9 226 -217 
			 Sugars, sugar preparations and honey 59 10 49 
			 Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices 42 12 30 
			 Feeding stuff for animals 6 173 -167 
			 Miscellaneous edible products 23 37 -15 
			 Beverages 511 132 379 
			 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 0 111 -111 
			 Oils and fats 14 19 -4 
			 Grand total 729 866 -137 
			 
			 1998
			 Meat and meat preparations 9 10 -1 
			 Dairy products and birds' eggs 14 5 9 
			 Fish and fish preparations 21 67 -46 
			 Cereals and cereal preparations 33 81 -48 
			 Vegetables and fruit 7 222 -215 
			 Sugars, sugar preparations and honey 57 13 44 
			 Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices 51 12 39 
			 Feeding stuff for animals 10 136 -126 
			 Miscellaneous edible products 22 46 -23 
			 Beverages 482 169 312 
			 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 0 92 -92 
			 Oils and fats 17 17 -1 
			 Grand total 724 870 -147 
			 
			 1999
			 Meat and meat preparations 7 8 0 
			 Dairy products and birds' eggs 18 8 10 
			 Fish and fish preparations 42 64 -22 
			 Cereals and cereal preparations 32 68 -36 
			 Vegetables and fruit 7 201 -194 
			 Sugars, sugar preparations and honey 74 13 61 
			 Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices 52 12 40 
			 Feeding stuff for animals 9 119 -110 
			 Miscellaneous edible products 34 54 -20 
			 Beverages 515 161 355 
			 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 0 38 -38 
			 Oils and fats 7 14 -7 
			 Grand total 798 758 39 
			 
			 2000
			 Meat and meat preparations 7 8 -1 
			 Dairy products and birds' eggs 15 12 4 
			 Fish and fish preparations 36 55 -19 
			 Cereals and cereal preparations 34 67 -33 
			 Vegetables and fruit 8 172 -165 
			 Sugars, sugar preparations and honey 77 10 67 
			 Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices 56 13 44 
			 Feeding stuff for animals 9 113 -104 
			 Miscellaneous edible products 21 68 -47 
			 Beverages 561 178 383 
			 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 0 70 -70 
			 Oils and fats 8 16 -8 
			 Grand total 832 783 49 
			 
			 2001
			 Meat and meat preparations 2 5 -4 
			 Dairy products and birds' eggs 21 14 7 
			 Fish and fish preparations 25 79 -54 
			 Cereals and cereal preparations 36 71 -35 
			 Vegetables and fruit 7 172 -165 
			 Sugars, sugar preparations and honey 63 9 54 
			 Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices 64 17 47 
			 Feeding stuff for animals 8 120 -112 
			 Miscellaneous edible products 17 72 -54 
			 Beverages 547 216 331 
			 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 0 52 -52 
			 Oils and fats 9 27 -18 
			 Grand total 799 854 -56 
		
	
	
		UK trade in food, feed and drink with all other countries (1997–2001) -- £ million
		
			  Description  Exports  Imports Balance of trade 
		
		
			 1997
			 Meat and meat preparations 123 565 -442 
			 Dairy products and birds' eggs 262 139 123 
			 Fish and fish preparations 96 858 -762 
			 Cereals and cereal preparations 370 173 196 
			 Vegetables and fruit 96 1,183 -1,086 
			 Sugars, sugar preparations and honey 208 555 -347 
			 Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices 265 665 -399 
			 Feeding stuff for animals 64 278 -214 
			 Miscellaneous edible products 187 66 121 
			 Beverages 1,531 456 1,075 
			 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 12 165 -153 
			 Oils and fats 75 243 -168 
			 Grand total 3,288 5,345 -2,056 
			 
			 1998
			 Meat and meat preparations 89 474 -386 
			 Dairy products and birds' eggs 204 150 53 
			 Fish and fish preparations 79 952 -873 
			 Cereals and cereal preparations 288 160 128 
			 Vegetables and fruit 80 1,202 -1,123 
			 Sugars, sugar preparations and honey 224 522 -298 
			 Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices 247 709 -462 
			 Feeding stuff for animals 61 245 -184 
			 Miscellaneous edible products 182 64 118 
			 Beverages 1,134 509 625 
			 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 8 149 -141 
			 Oils and fats 73 207 -134 
			 Grand total 2,669 5,344 -2,675 
			 
			 1999
			 Meat and meat preparations 80 494 -414 
			 Dairy products and birds' eggs 153 146 7 
			 Fish and fish preparations 83 942 -859 
			 Cereals and cereal preparations 270 185 85 
			 Vegetables and fruit 83 1,311 -1,227 
			 Sugars, sugar preparations and honey 133 484 -350 
			 Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices 172 634 -463 
			 Feeding stuff for animals 74 233 -158 
			 Miscellaneous edible products 193 71 123 
			 Beverages 1,170 628 542 
			 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 22 117 -95 
			 Oils and fats 72 214 -143 
			 Grand total 2,506 5,459 -2,953 
			 
			 2000
			 Meat and meat preparations 69 526 -457 
			 Dairy products and birds' eggs 156 125 32 
			 Fish and fish preparations 88 971 -883 
			 Cereals and cereal preparations 340 176 163 
			 Vegetables and fruit 82 1,240 -1,148 
			 Sugars, sugar preparations and honey 125 445 -320 
			 Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices 177 520 -343 
			 Feeding stuff for animals 79 257 -178 
			 Miscellaneous edible products 196 80 116 
			 Beverages 1,207 697 510 
			 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 1 98 -97 
			 Oils and fats 58 184 -127 
			 Grand total 2,588 5,321 -2,733 
			 
			 2001
			 Meat and meat preparations 38 600 -562 
			 Dairy products and birds' eggs 137 124 13 
			 Fish and fish preparations 98 1,030 -932 
			 Cereals and cereal preparations 270 194 76 
			 Vegetables and fruit 81 1,331 -1,251 
			 Sugars, sugar preparations and honey 128 485 -357 
			 Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices 170 517 -347 
			 Feeding stuff for animals 61 320 -259 
			 Miscellaneous edible products 214 79 135 
			 Beverages 1,341 809 532 
			 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 1 163 -162 
			 Oils and fats 32 181 -149 
			 Grand total 2,569 5,832 -3,262 
		
	
	Note:
	Above data do not include estimates for below-threshold trade.

Rural Enterprise/Vocational Training Schemes

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 8 January 2002, Official Report, column 732W, if she will list the schemes which attracted (a) rural enterprise scheme funding and (b) vocational training scheme funding indicating the (i) nature of the project and (ii) total funding for each project.

Alun Michael: I am writing to the hon. Member today with a list of the projects referred to in the answer of 8 January 2002, Official Report, column 732W, and a description of the nature of the project. The size of individual awards is commercially confidential.

Arable Stewardship Pilot Scheme

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  which of the options contained in the Arable Stewardship Pilot Scheme has now been applied across England;
	(2)  what assessment she has made of the Arable Stewardship Pilot Scheme;
	(3)  what the final cost to public funds is of the Arable Stewardship Pilot Scheme;
	(4)  if she will make a statement on financial penalties for breach of agreements between farmers and her Department in respect of the Arable Stewardship Pilot Scheme.

Elliot Morley: The Arable Stewardship Pilot Scheme opened in 1998 and closed to new applications in 2000, but some individual agreements under the scheme will run until July 2006. The total amount paid to farmers over the period 1998–2006 will be approximately £7.5 million.
	In the third year of the pilot, ecological and economic evaluations of the scheme options were undertaken. Following this evaluation, seven new options were incorporated into the Countryside Stewardship Scheme from January 2002. The options are:
	overwintered stubble followed by a spring crop;
	overwintered stubble followed by a low-input spring cereal;
	overwintered stubble followed by a spring/summer fallow;
	conservation headlands with restricted insecticide and herbicide use;
	conservation headlands with no fertiliser and restricted insecticide and herbicide use;
	wild bird seed mixtures;
	pollen and nectar mixtures.
	Financial penalties for breaches of agreement under the Arable Stewardship Pilot Scheme are the same as those for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Payments made may be withheld or reclaimed with interest. In addition, a 10 per cent. penalty may be imposed where appropriate. In certain circumstances, the agreement may also be terminated and the agreement holder banned from entering a new agreement under any Rural Development Regulation scheme for up to two years.

Water Industry

Ian Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the progress of the Government's Review of competition in the water industry in England and Wales.

Michael Meacher: I informed the House on 30 March 2001, Official Report, column 832W, that the Government had decided to boost the opportunities for competition in public water services in England and Wales. We proposed that the incumbent companies would remain vertically integrated statutory undertakers, while new entrants would be licensed for production and retail activities. Since then, DEFRA has undertaken further detailed work on the future framework, in close collaboration with other Government Departments, the National Assembly for Wales, and the three principal regulators of the water industry; Ofwat, the Drinking Water Inspectorate and the Environment Agency.
	Competition can deliver benefits for customer through keener prices, more innovation and improved service quality. But competition must be consistent with the Government's wider policy objectives for the water industry. It is important for the framework and scope of any further competitive activity to be tailored to the particular circumstances of the industry and the needs of its customers.
	After thorough consideration, we propose to extend competition for non-household customers that use large quantities of water. Market entrants will be authorised to enter into common carriage agreements with statutory undertakers to supply premises which use more than a specified threshold of water per year. We propose that this should be set initially at 50 megalitres, based on the evidence currently available. Work is under way to assess the likely effects of lower threshold levels, both in terms of increasing competitive opportunity and the Government's wider policy objectives for the water industry. Views will be invited on the threshold in a forthcoming consultation paper. This further analysis, the views received in response to consultation, and consideration of the implications for all customers, will inform any final decisions on the initial threshold to be introduced in England and Wales.
	Any subsequent lowering of the initial threshold will be considered once we have the benefit of practical experience to draw on. We would consult publicly on any proposed change and the same considerations would apply as in the case of the initial threshold. From the outset, new entrants to the industry will be expected to co-operate with the statutory undertakers in preparing and implementing water resource, security and emergency planning.
	We have considered very carefully whether to introduce competition now for household customers. We have concluded that extending competition to the domestic water sector, while at the same time seeking to ensure that the Government's public health, social and environmental objectives continued to be met, would require a complex and costly regulatory regime, which would still leave substantial uncertainties. The added complexity would militate against effective competition and the extra costs would have to be borne mainly by customers. In our view, these drawbacks are likely to outweigh the potential benefits.
	Household and other customers can continue to rely on the present system of comparative competition operated by Ofwat, to encourage water companies to improve efficiency and their services. Average household customers are now paying 13 per cent. less than in 1999, a reduction of £33 in real terms.
	We shall be publishing a consultation paper with further details of our proposals later this year. As previously announced, our intention is to introduce a Water Bill to bring these changes into effect. The draft Bill also contains proposals to put customers at the heart of the regulatory process, including setting up an independent consumer body to be the voice of consumers.

EU Water Framework Directive

Jonathan Sayeed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when her Department expects the EU Water Framework Directive to come into force in the United Kingdom.

Michael Meacher: The Water Framework Directive came into force in all European Community member states on 22 December 2000. Article 24 of the Directive requires member states to bring into force the necessary laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the Directive by 22 December 2003.

Habitats Directive

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she is taking to ensure the protection of sites designated as special areas of conservation under the Habitats Directive; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 14 March 2002
	Special areas of conservation (SAC) under the Habitats Directive, special protection areas (SPA) under the Birds Directive and sites listed under the Ramsar Convention are accorded the highest level of protection available.
	Article 6 of the Habitats Directive as transposed into UK law through the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1994 requires that any new development proposal likely to have a significant impact on a SAC or SPA is assessed for its implications on that site. If that assessment concludes that the project would have an adverse effect on the integrity of the site it can only proceed, in the absence of alternatives, in the overriding public interest.
	Guidance to local planning authorities and other public bodies on how that protection should be delivered is given in the current Planning Policy Guidance on Nature Conservation (PPG9). In addition the Government Statement of May 1998 on the Birds and Habitats Directives gave extensive guidance on the application of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive and relevant factors to be weighed when making judgments about overriding public interest.

Parental Leave Directive

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the (a) financial costs and (b) benefits to her Department of the Parental Leave Directive.

Elliot Morley: The Parental Leave Directive which introduced parental leave entitlements (along with increased maternity benefits and time-off to care for dependants) was introduced into UK law by the Employment Relations Act 1999. The Act has had a neutral financial effect and limited benefit on this Department and the Pesticides Safety Directorate, Veterinary Medicines Directorate and Rural Payments Agencies, because the leave is without pay and because prior to the introduction of the legislation the Department already had in place contractual terms which were generally more favourable to staff though they did not specifically cover unpaid time-off for parental leave. As part of its overall 'family friendly' provisions this Department continues to establish arrangements which allow staff to establish a proper work/life balance. The statutory rights which have now been incorporated into staff terms and conditions provide staff with basic entitlements in the event that they fall outside the contractual entitlements. So far there have been few requests for unpaid parental leave.
	Responsibility for such matters within the Central Science Laboratory Agency, the Veterinary Laboratory Agency and the Centre for Environmental, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science Agency has been delegated to Agency Chief Executives and I have asked them to reply direct.

Flexible Working

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many and what proportion of the staff of her Department are (a) job sharing, (b) term working and (c) engaged in another form of flexible working.

Elliot Morley: Of those employed in my Department, 83 are job sharing (1.03 per cent.) and 14 are block ("term") working (0.17 per cent.). A total of 724 work part-time (8.96 per cent.) and 80 are on unpaid leave (0.99 per cent.).
	The Department also operates a flexible working hours scheme. This allows an individual to play a full part at work while enabling them to arrange their working hours to fit in with social and domestic arrangements. It also allows line managers to deal sympathetically with any requests for time off if the individual has particular needs.
	It is departmental policy, as an equal opportunity employer, to meet requests for all types of flexible working wherever the nature of the work allows. This includes: maternity, paternity and parental leave (over and above legal requirements); flexible working hours; part-time work and job sharing; leave to care for sick children/carer's leave; home-working; term-time contracts; annual hours contracts; child care allowances; career break schemes; paid/unpaid leave. The flexibility of the working pattern is decided in conjunction with local management to suit an individual's need and the needs of their work. Managers are encouraged to welcome applications from people working different patterns, where the nature of work allows.
	The Department sees flexible working arrangements as important in the promotion of diversity and equal opportunities policies, in the recruitment and retention of staff and for the creation of a better work/life balance.

Energy Costs

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on energy costs incurred by her Department in each of the last 10 years.

Alun Michael: Information for the each of the last 10 years is not readily available, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. In addition, the Machinery of Government changes do not allow for easy comparison. However, information on energy costs for DEFRA's predecessor and other Government Departments for the years 1996–97 to 1999–2000 is available in the Green Ministers reports which can be found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/ environment/greening/minister/grmin.htm. Copies are available in the Library of the House.
	For your convenience these data, without the footnotes, for English Government Departments is reproduced.
	Energy costs for 2000–01 will be published in the next Green Ministers report in autumn 2002.
	
		Energy expenditure by Government Departments—as published in Green Ministers reports -- £
		
			   1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 
		
		
			 MAFF 1,607,392 1,196,306 1,270,719 1,155,485 
			 MAFF Labs 1,195,120 2,010,656 1,877,991 1,880,441 
			 Cabinet Office 723,587 693,234 717,622 767,895 
			 DCMS 82,888 121,916 106,634 122,991 
			 HM Customs and Excise 3,476,954 2,414,356 2,370,071 2,431,032 
			 DfEE 1,337,963 1,347,403 1,056,810 1,111,660 
			 Employment Service 5,341,147 4,848,133 4,946,793 4,960,622 
			 DETR 4,095,629 4,099,099 3,993,520 3,473,024 
			 Health and Safety Executive 667,458 668,883 582,679 570,336 
			 QE2 Conference Centre 291,715 347,200 324,614 305,739 
			 FCO 920,989 990,362 921,380 1,033,203 
			 DoH 722,641 738,355 786,383 758,908 
			 Home Office 2,051,873 1,792,543 1,911,139 2,378,335 
			 HM Prison Service 24,257,826 23,868,557 20,016,907 22,310,050 
			 Inland Revenue 8,256,246 8,192,613 8,138,451 8,772,679 
			 DfID 212,935 225,513 209,602 183,574 
			 Lord Chancellors Department 5,301,610 5,258,187 5,282,774 5,021,175 
			 DSS 15,684,969 13,805,000 11,474,213 11,327,417 
			 DTI 2,250,288 2,312,915 1,847,819 2,117,249 
			 HM Treasury 612,651 336,547 316,314 337,396 
		
	
	Note:
	In a few cases figures were revised from one report to another. The figures here are the latest published.

Rio Earth Summit (Implementation)

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps have been taken by the Government since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 to (a) set goals on environmental protection and (b) improve eco-efficiency and resource productivity relating to coastal zone issues; and what these (i) goals and (ii) improvements have been.

Michael Meacher: Among the actions contributing to sustainable development and relating to coastal zone management are work on species and habitat action plans under the Biodiversity Convention, and work within OSPAR on the strategies on hazardous substances and biodiversity.
	Our policy on promoting sustainable development of the marine environment, including the coastal zone will shortly be set out in the forthcoming Marine Stewardship Report.

Civil Servants

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will set out for each Civil Service grade within her (a) Department and (b) Department's executive agencies the (i) total number of staff employed, (ii) number aged (A) 16 to 25, (B) 26 to 35, (C) 36 to 45, (D) 46 to 60 and (E) over the age of 60 years, (iii) number of registered disabled and (iv) number of ethnic minorities.

Elliot Morley: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary Cabinet Office (Mr. Christopher Leslie) on 13 March 2002, Official Report, column 1073W.

Departmental Staff

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff left the service of her Department and its agencies in the year ended 31 March 2001; how many left before attaining the formal retirement age of 60 years; and in respect of how many her Department and its agencies assumed responsibilities for making payments until retirement age.

Elliot Morley: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary Cabinet Office (Mr. Christopher Leslie) on 13 March 2002, Official Report, column 1072W.
	For part (c), in the year ended 31 March 2001 the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and its agencies assumed responsibility for making payments until retirement age (60) for 11 of these staff.

Engineers

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many chartered engineers there are in her Department; and what grades they hold.

Elliot Morley: The specific information requested is not held centrally by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Government Action Plan (Organic Sector)

Julia Drown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when her Department will start work on the development of the Government action plan for the organic sector announced in October.

Elliot Morley: An announcement about the Organic Food and Farming action plan will be made soon.

Objective 1 (Funding)

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 29 January, if she will ensure that the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly objective 1 funds will be fully restored.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 12 February 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 14 February 2002, Official Report, column 653W.

Flood Defence

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funds have been allocated to coastal communities for flood defence work per capita in each of the past 10 years; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The table details DEFRA grant to the Environment Agency (EA) and local authorities (LAs) for capital works to provide tidal river and sea defences and protection against coastal erosion in each of the last 10 financial years.
	
		£ million 
		
			   EA Sea/ Tidal River LA Sea/ Tidal River LA Coast Protection 
		
		
			 1991–92 24.6 0.1 19.5 
			 1992–93 29.6 0.5 12.2 
			 1993–94 26.7 0.4 18.6 
			 1994–95 30.6 0.1 24.2 
			 1995–96 38.1 0.2 31.3 
			 1996–97 41.2 0.7 34.7 
			 1997–98 34.0 0.8 24.2 
			 1998–99 27.4 0.1 24.1 
			 1999–2000 21.3 0.9 24.7 
			 2000–01(19) 17.5 1.2 12.0 
		
	
	(19) In 2000–01 LAs under-achieved on coast protection works compared to their plans. They have recognised the need to improve project planning and the reliability of their forecasts.
	Further funds are spent by the EA and LAs to cover non grant aided works, such as maintenance and flood warning. I regret I am unable to provide the above figures on a per capita basis without incurring disproportionate cost.

Abandoned Vehicles

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans to act upon the results of the consultation on reducing the number of abandoned vehicles; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, expects to make an announcement shortly.

Recycling

Martin Salter: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what new recovery and recycling targets for packaging waste for 2002 have been decided; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: New business recovery and recycling targets for packaging waste in 2002 under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 (as amended) have been agreed by the Government. Subject to the approval of Parliament, these are as follows:
	Recovery 59 per cent.
	Material-specific recycling 19 per cent.
	The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 were made to enable the UK to meet its obligations under the EC Directive on Packaging Waste, in particular the recovery and recycling targets in Article 6 of that Directive. The first targets that we and other member states had to achieve, in 2001, under the Packaging Waste Directive were that at least 50 per cent. of packaging waste be recovered, at least 25 per cent. recycled and 15 per cent. of each packaging material recycled.
	On the assumption that the UK met these targets last year (and final figures are not yet ready), the targets I am proposing today should allow almost five million tonnes of packaging waste to be recovered in 2002.
	My Department has, as was indicated in the recent consultation paper on targets for 2002, reviewed the figures that were used to develop the targets for 2002 in that paper and in light of the changes in the amount of packaging data reported by businesses obligated under the packaging Regulations, and the estimates for the tonnages expected to be obligated in 2002, the Government have decided on a recovery target of 59 per cent. and a material-specific target of 19 per cent.
	As in previous years, the national targets for next year need to be seen as leading on to higher targets and the ones proposed by the Government should allow the UK to plan a smooth upward curve towards higher recovery and recycling targets over the next few years.

Recycling

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent measures have been introduced to encourage businesses to recycle waste.

Michael Meacher: holding answer 18 March 2002
	We have introduced or are planning to introduce a range of measures to encourage businesses to recycle by both regulatory and voluntary producer responsibility schemes.
	The EC Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste—94/62/EC—was implemented in Great Britain by the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 (as amended). In order to comply with the requirements in the Directive, recovery and recycling targets for 2001 under the packaging Regulations were 56 per cent. for recovery and 18 per cent. for material specific recycling of packaging waste.
	The Regulations place obligations on certain businesses to recover and recycle specified tonnages of packaging waste. Their obligation is calculated by using three factors: the amount of packaging handled by the business, the national business recovery and recycling targets for the year and the "activity obligation" associated with the activity the business carries out on packaging. Businesses can also reduce their obligation by using less and reusing packaging whenever possible. By increasing the amount reused, producers are able to reduce the tonnages of packaging waste they are required to recover and so lessen their costs of compliance.
	We are transposing the EC Directive on End-of-Life Vehicles and the proposed Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment is expected to be adopted by the EC later this year.
	A voluntary agreement is in place with the Newspaper Publishers Association to increase the recycled content of newsprint to target levels over a period of years up to 2006 and we are currently talking to the producers of direct mail and promotions with the aim of agreeing recycling targets for this material.

Hazardous Waste (Shoreham Harbour)

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what hazardous waste has been handled through Shoreham Harbour in the last two years; and what licences were issued.

Michael Meacher: holding answer 15 March 2002
	Shipments of hazardous waste enter the UK under a system of prior written notification and consent rather than licensing. These controls are set out by Council Regulation (EEC) No.259/93 on the supervision and control of shipments of hazardous waste. The UK does not designate specific ports of import for hazardous waste. The Environment Agency, which controls the import of waste, would not, therefore, necessarily know which port is being used for a shipment.
	However, the Environment Agency area office believes that there has been one shipment of 60 tonnes of redundant pesticides and agrochemicals imported via Shoreham in the last two years. This arrived in 2002.

Hazardous Emissions (Shoreham Harbour)

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action has been taken to monitor dust emissions from HGVs using Shoreham Harbour on port related business.

Michael Meacher: holding answer 15 March 2002
	Local authorities have a duty under part IV of the Environment Act 1995 to assess air quality against objectives set out in the Air Quality Regulations 2000, including an objective in respect of particulate matter (PM10). If the air quality objectives are likely to be exceeded by relevant deadline in areas where the public are likely to be exposed, then local authorities have to declare an air quality management area.
	Adur District Council has produced a stage III local air quality management review and assessment report. This report refers to the fugitive dust emissions from Shoreham Harbour, and is available from the Housing and Environmental Services Department at Adur District Council.
	An air quality modelling exercise was carried out that indicates that concentrations of PM10 from these fugitive dust sources is unlikely to exceed either the annual mean or 24-hour mean air quality objectives at locations where the public are likely to be exposed. The modelling results have been compared to a limited period of monitoring in the Port area. The local authority's report states that it was not possible to undertake extensive monitoring of PM10 in the area of the Port. In September 2000 a cascade impactor was installed for four weeks. The overall conclusion of the report was that no exceedence of the PM10 objective would occur within Adur's District Council boundaries, and this conclusion has been accepted
	Local authorities will be required to produce a further review and assessment report in the second phase of local air quality management by end of 2003.

Waste Incineration

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 12 March, ref. 42321, when she expects the Environment Agency to publish its research on the "Human Health Review of Incineration and Combustion Techniques".

Margaret Beckett: The "Human Health Review of Incineration and Combustion Techniques" research is expected to be published in August 2002.

Fly Tipping

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proposals she is considering to strengthen the powers of (a) local authorities and (b) the Environment Agency in dealing with fly tipping; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: Local Authorities and the Environment Agency already have wide powers to tackle fly tipping under section 59 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Under this Act, local authorities and the Environment Agency have the power to remove fly tipped waste and recover the cost of collection on those who committed the offence. They also have the power to prosecute the perpetrator, and successful prosecution can lead to heavy penalties including an unlimited fine and up to two years in prison.
	As part of the local public service agreement initiative, some local authorities have argued that to assist their ability to combat fly tipping, they should be given the power that the Environment Agency has to require companies and individuals to provide the Agency with copies of the duty of care paperwork which these companies and individuals are required to maintain. The Government have asked the fly tipping stakeholders' forum to consider this issue and make recommendations. We are currently awaiting the forum's views.

Sellafield

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what matters in respect of the future management and repatriation of German radioactive waste arising from reprocessing at Sellafield were discussed with her counterpart in Germany on her recent visit.

Margaret Beckett: None.

Ilsham Valley Pumping Station

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will determine the outcome of the inquiry into the compulsory purchase order of Ilsham Valley pumping station, Torquay.

Michael Meacher: After considering the inspector's report resulting from the public inquiry, the Secretary of State decided that the order should be confirmed. The Department wrote to the parties concerned on 8 March 2002 informing them of the decision. The order as confirmed is subject to special parliamentary procedure and will be laid before both Houses.

Aquatic Pursuits

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 4 March 2002, Official Report, column 77W, if she will introduce new performance indicators to help judge the success of efforts to improve access for canoeists by the Environment Agency's Angling and Canoe Liaison Group.

Alun Michael: The Government have no plans to introduce performance indicators, but will continue to encourage the Environment Agency's Angling and Canoe Liaison Group to look for ways of improving access to the water for recreational use.

Aquatic Pursuits

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 4 March 2002, Official Report, column 77W, if she will make Environment Agency funding dependent on improving access to water for canoeists.

Alun Michael: The Government have no plans to make any Agency funding dependent on improving access to water for canoeists, but will continue to encourage the Environment Agency to look for ways of improving access to the water and land it manages for recreational use, as appropriate.

Navigation Rights

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make Government grants to landowners who own navigation rights on fast moving inland water dependent on their granting navigation rights for non-powered craft.

Alun Michael: We recently published the findings of research about water-based sport and recreation. One possibility raised in the report was for the introduction of revised funding arrangements for riparian owners in targeted locations to allow public access to their waterspace.
	Officials recently met the other sponsors of the research (British Waterways, the Countryside Agency, the Countryside Council for Wales, the Environment Agency and Sport England) and other interested Government Departments to consider what action to take in the light of the report's findings. I shall be considering the outcome of the meeting with my ministerial colleagues. I shall also be interested to hear the hon. Member's views when we meet later this month.

Ministerial Meetings

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she last met representatives of the NFU.

Elliot Morley: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State last met representatives of the NFU on Thursday 14 February 2002.

Ministerial Meetings

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she next intends to meet representatives of the National Farmers Union.

Elliot Morley: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will next meet representatives of the NFU on Thursday 21 March 2002.

Ministerial Visits

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  if she will list the official visits to (a) Paris and (b) Brussels made by each Minister in her Department in 2001 and the mode of travel used; and what guidance is provided to Ministers in her Department on the choice of mode of travel for such visits;
	(2)  if she will list the official visits within the UK outside London made by each Minister in her Department in 2001, giving for each (a) the origin and destination and (b) the mode of travel used; and what guidance is provided to Ministers in her Department on choice of mode of travel for official visits.

Elliot Morley: Since 1999 this Government have published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more during each financial year. The Government have also published on an annual basis the cost of all Ministers' visits overseas. Details of travel undertaken since 1 March 2001 will be published as soon as possible after the end of the current financial year. Copies of the lists are available in the Libraries of the House.
	All travel is undertaken fully in accordance with the rules set out in the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.
	The additional detailed information requested in respect of UK travel is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Beekeepers

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many beekeepers were known to the National Bee Unit in (a) Essex and (b) England in each of the last four years.

Elliot Morley: The number of beekeepers in Essex and England identified on the National Bee Unit's (NBU) database in each of the last four years is as follows.
	
		
			  Essex England 
		
		
			 1998 824 19,346 
			 1999 832 19,607 
			 2000 787 19,068 
			 2001 540 17,884 
		
	
	The database is used to maintain records of statutory inspection programmes. It is not a definitive register of beekeepers.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Stolen Equipment

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 22 January 2002, Official Report, columns 834–5W, on stolen equipment, what criminal proceedings have been undertaken for cases of theft against his Department, stating in each case (a) whether the proceedings (i) led to a criminal conviction and (ii) were unsuccessful, (b) the cost incurred by his Department in pursuing a conviction and (c) the value of items recovered; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: holding answer 18 February 2002
	For the year 1997–98, detailed records are not available of the action taken for equipment stolen.
	For the three years 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 in all cases but one the culprit was not identified. In the one single case the culprit was dismissed without prosecution and the amount of the loss was recovered (£100).

Accountancy Contracts

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the contracts agreed by his Department with the five largest accountancy firms since May 1997; and what was the total value of contracts with each.

Angela Eagle: The available information on the contracts agreed with the Home Department with the five largest accountancy firms since May 1997 are as follows:
	Company/contracts
	Ernst & Young—Total: £1,952,828
	corporate planning facilitation
	project feasibility study
	youth inclusion programme
	Departmental review
	study of National Agency for confiscation of criminal assets
	Pricewaterhousecoopers—Total: £7,572,321
	quantum
	preparation of in house bid
	immigration & nationality directorate consultancy
	support of preparation of in house bid
	development of prisons cost model
	wider markets review
	advertising costs to recruit the Director of Police Standards Unit
	technology review for Criminal Records Bureau
	development of Police Standards Unit programme of work
	recruitment of Director General of Resources and Performance
	development of resource accounting
	Deloitte & Touche—Total: £145,800
	consulting on VAT and tax implications for the new police training organisation
	productivity review
	KPMG—Total £382,729
	bench marking of court escorts
	implementations of National Audit Office recommendations
	review of involvement in inspection of prisons
	development of financial systems
	Note:
	The Home Office has not awarded any contracts to Anderson for the period in question.

Rail Journeys (Staff)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy that rail journeys undertaken by staff in his Department should ordinarily be on standard class tickets.

Angela Eagle: Section 8 of the Civil Service Management code requires Departments and agencies to ensure that staff use the most efficient and economic means of travel in the circumstances taking into account any management benefit or the needs of staff with disabilities.
	Home Office staff below Senior Executive Officer level are normally required to travel standard class on rail journeys. The details, including exceptions to the general policy, are contained in the Departmental Travel and Subsistence Manual. The policy is to encourage staff to use public transport rather than cars, in accordance with the Government's policy on "Green Transport".
	Senior staff are entitled to travel first class on official journeys where facilities are available to enable working on official papers on route. The policy is kept under review, but there are no current plans to change the arrangements. A new contract from 1 April will ensure additional discounts are available.

Capita

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many contracts the Department has with Capita; and how much they are worth.

Angela Eagle: I can confirm that the Home Department has current contracts with Capita which are valued at £403 million. This includes a 10 year contract with the Criminal Records Bureau which is estimated to be worth £400 million over the term of the contract.

Refurbishment

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 22 January 2002, Official Report, column 844W, what the cost of refurbishing each ministerial private office was in each year since May 1997.

Angela Eagle: We do not have the desegregated information available and could obtain this only at disproportionate cost.

Non-departmental Government Bodies

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many non- departmental Government bodies were operating in each of the last 10 years.

Angela Eagle: holding answer 12 March 2002
	The number of Home Office non-departmental public bodies operating over the last ten years are set out in the table.
	
		
			  Executive Advisory Tribunal Other 
		
		
			 1992 11 14 10 1 
			 1993 11 14 10 1 
			 1994 11 14 11 1 
			 1995 11 14 10 1 
			 1996 9 12 11 1 
			 1997 11 11 11 1 
			 1998 12 10 10 1 
			 1999 13 10 12 1 
			 2000 13 12 12 1 
			 2001 9 9 9 1

Non-governmental Organisations

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list non-governmental organisations operating in the south-west region that receive public funds from his Department; and what amount of annual funding they received in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Angela Eagle: In this reply, "non-governmental organisation" means an organisation working within the voluntary or charity sector. The available information is set out in the table.
	The Home Office does not generally record this information by region. It is therefore possible that other organisations in the south-west region, which are not listed, have received support from the Home Office.
	In addition, funding awarded to national organisations may have been used to support work in the south-west region. It would be a matter for the organisation concerned how they chose to allocate such resources and the Home Office would not hold that information.
	
		£ 
		
			  Organisation Payment in financial year 2000–01 
		
		
			 Awaz Utaoh (Bristol) 40,825 
			 Barnardo's South West 18,313 
			 Barne Barton Community 10,500 
			 Barne Barton Estate Project (Plymouth) 15,000 
			 Black Development Agency 58,000 
			 Black Development Agency—'Three in One Project' 30,000 
			 Bournemouth CVS—Resource Link 42,000 
			 Bristol Racial Equality Council 40,150 
			 Community Projects Trust—South West 30,000 
			 Conduit Street Community Centre (Gloucester) 193,891 
			 Crime Concern(20) 700,975 
			 Eastbourne Community Network 199,154 
			 Fairbridge 17,684 
			 Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens 50,000 
			 Home-Start Bournemouth 61,863 
			 Honicknowle Commnet Ltd 2,800 
			 Include 11,227 
			 Jamaican Community Centre (Gloucester) 32,142 
			 Kerrier Phoenix Project 150,000 
			 KHAAS (Bristol) 19,105 
			 Mediation UK 90,000 
			 National Playbus Association 30,230 
			 Plymouth and District Racial Equality Council 25,120 
			 Portsmouth Community Safety 55,600 
			 Portsmouth Community Services Project 25,125 
			 Quest Trust 20,000 
			 Social Software 7,050 
			 Somerset Youth Voluntary Network 125,000 
			 Society of Voluntary Associates (SOVA) 16,267 
			 Swindon Business Education Partnership 78,900 
			 The South West Forum 58,000 
			 The Xcentre (Exeter) 196,500 
			 Youth Action Scheme 11,038 
			 Youth Support Services 20,355 
			 Voluntary First (Bath and north-east Somerset) 122,491 
			 Womanise Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (mid and north Cornwall) 77,444 
		
	
	(20) Crime Concern have their national headquarters in Wiltshire (in the south-west region). This payment includes £33,000 given to Crime Concern for the roll-out of 'Driving the Action' seminars to a number of regions including the south-west region.

Crime and Disorder Partnerships

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crime and disorder partnerships there are in England.

John Denham: There are 376 crime and disorder reduction partnerships in England and Wales, 354 of these are in England and 22 in Wales.

Antisocial Behaviour Orders

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued, broken down by local authority areas, in each calendar year since their introduction.

John Denham: Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) are community-based civil orders, which can be applied for by the police or local authority in consultation with each other, against an individual or several individuals whose behaviour is antisocial. Applications are currently made to the magistrates court acting in its civil capacity. ASBOs were introduced from 1 April 1999.
	Data on the total number of ASBOs issued between 1 April 1999 to 31 May 2000 was collected by police force area only.
	From 1 June 2000 official statistics on the number of ASBOs issued are based on quarterly returns from Magistrates Courts Committees (MCCs) which from 1 April 2001 were all aligned with police force areas. These returns are not presently designed to give figures below MCC level. Available information, up to 30 September 2001, by police force/MCC area is given in the table.
	
		Number of anti-social behaviour orders issued as from 1 April 1999 to 30 September 2001 by police force area/Magistrates Courts Committees (MCC)
		
			 Police force area/MCC From 1 April 1999 to 31 May 2000(21) From 1 June 2000 to 31 December 2000(22) From 1 January 2001 to 30 September 2001 Total 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 9 3 16 28 
			 Bedfordshire 0 0 2 2 
			 Cambridgeshire 5 1 2 8 
			 Cheshire 0 0 0 0 
			 Cleveland 1 4 5 10 
			 Cumbria 1 1 0 2 
			 Derbyshire 3 7 2 12 
			 Devon and Cornwall 1 0 9 10 
			 Dorset 0 2 2 4 
			 Durham 0 4 6 10 
			 Essex 0 0 0 0 
			 Gloucestershire 0 1 3 4 
			 Greater Manchester 10 2 12 24 
			 Hampshire 1 2 1 4 
			 Hertfordshire 1 1 7 9 
			 Humberside 0 9 2 11 
			 Kent 0 3 12 15 
			 Lancashire 5 5 6 16 
			 Leicestershire 1 4 0 5 
			 Lincolnshire 0 0 1 1 
			 Merseyside 8 3 6 17 
			 Metropolitan Police(23)/Greater London Magistrates Courts Authority 9 19 12 40 
			 Norfolk 6 0 11 17 
			 Northamptonshire 0 2 1 3 
			 Northumbria 8 5 2 15 
			 North Yorkshire 4 0 6 10 
			 Nottinghamshire 1 4 11 16 
			 South Yorkshire 3 1 2 6 
			 Staffordshire 0 4 6 10 
			 Suffolk 3 0 2 5 
			 Surrey 0 2 2 4 
			 Sussex 3 4 0 7 
			 Thames Valley 1 1 5 7 
			 Warwickshire 0 1 2 3 
			 West Mercia 5 7 35 47 
			 West Midlands 11 23 31 65 
			 West Yorkshire 4 2 9 15 
			 Wiltshire 0 0 0 0 
			 Dyfed Powys 0 0 0 0 
			 Gwent 0 0 1 1 
			 North Wales 0 1 0 1 
			 South Wales 0 1 1 2 
			 England and Wales 104 129 233 466 
		
	
	(21) Total figures only available from police force areas for period 1 April 1999 to 31 May 2000.
	(22) As from 1 June 2000 data collected centrally by Magistrates Courts Committee (MCC) area by quarter.
	(23) Including City of London

Antisocial Behaviour Orders

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce guidance to authorities which successfully apply for ASBOs for individuals, on other rehabilitative measures which should be implemented at the same time.

John Denham: Revised guidance on Anti-social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) will be issued once the legislative changes introduced into the Police Reform Bill are available. The revised guidance will include information on agencies providing rehabilitative measures.

Antisocial Behaviour Orders

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which authority is responsible for meeting the cost of applying for anti-social behaviour orders.

John Denham: holding answer 27 February 2002
	The cost of an Anti-social Behaviour Order (ASBO) is usually met by the lead agency making the application—this will either be the local authority or the local police force. In some areas there are local arrangements where the costs are divided between the two agencies.

Independent Schools Council

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to respond to requests made in September 2000 by the Independent Schools Council about the visa regime for students from Commonwealth countries who take up temporary employment in independent schools.

Angela Eagle: The Joint Entry Clearance Unit of the Home Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office replied to the Independent Schools Council (ISC) on 21 September 2000 outlining the routes open to independent schools seeking to engage teaching assistants from outside the European Economic Area.
	The ISC has expressed an interest in the planned amendment, to reflect the National Minimum Wage Act, of a concession, outside the immigration rules, which facilitates the entry of voluntary workers from overseas. The ISC will be advised of the details of the amendment shortly.

Miscarriages of Justice

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what psychiatric aftercare is given to victims of miscarriages of justice.

Keith Bradley: holding answer 5 March 2002
	In order to obtain psychiatric aftercare, a victim of a miscarriage of justice will first need to contact their own GP for an assessment of their individual requirements. Having due regard to their patient's current needs, and previous medical history, the GP will then refer the case for any appropriate specialist treatment.
	A working group was set up to look at the support and assistance that may be needed for prisoners who have successfully appealed against conviction. The group has not yet concluded its work but expects to put recommendations to Ministers shortly.

Miscarriages of Justice

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training psychologists, who have been charged to treat the problems of the victims of miscarriages of justice, are given.

Keith Bradley: holding answer 5 March 2002
	Individuals who have suffered from a miscarriage of justice, and have a need for psychological support, will first need to approach their own GP for a referral. In making such a referral, the GP will have regard to both relevant experience and training before selecting an appropriate psychologist.
	A working group was set up to look at the support and assistance that may be needed for prisoners who have successfully appealed against conviction. The group has not yet concluded its work but expects to put recommendations to Ministers shortly.

Visas (Romania)

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to abolish visa requirements for visiting students from Romania; what discussions he has had with that country's Government on the abolition of the requirement for UK students to have visas when visiting Romania; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: holding answer 11 March 2002
	A visa regime will normally be imposed where there is evidence of sustained abuse of our controls. All visa regimes are kept under review, and are only maintained where they contribute to effective immigration control. There continue to be large numbers of Romanian nationals seeking asylum or being found here illegally. In the circumstances there are no plans to lift the visa requirement for Romanian nationals. United Kingdom citizens do not require visas to visit Romania, but any who wish to study there will need to fulfil the requirement of the Romanian immigration regulations. We have had no discussions with the Romanian government on the conditions they attach to United Kingdom students studying in Romania.

Asylum Accommodation Centres

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will begin the local consultations on the proposed asylum accommodation centres.

Angela Eagle: holding answer 11 March 2002
	Home Office officials are currently in the process of holding meetings with local authorities in all eight locations. Those meetings will include making arrangements for a consultation exercise in each area.

Yarl's Wood

Alistair Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he had on the insurance arrangements in case of riot at Yarl's Wood Detention Centre at the time of the making of the contract between Group Four and his Department for the operation of the Centre; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The contract with Group 4 Amey Immigration Limited requires the Contractor to effect and maintain or procure in full force and effect insurance in the joint names of the contractor and the Crown in respect of a full range of insurance.

Yarl's Wood

Jonathan Sayeed: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether persons suspected of arson and attempted arson were transferred to Yarl's Wood detention centre prior to the major fire there; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: There is at present no specific evidence that such persons were held at Yarl's Wood removal centre. However, it must be remembered that the overseas background of an individual—including any criminal activities—will not usually be known at the time of their detention.
	Individuals detained under Immigration Act powers who are known or assessed to present a serious control or security risk, or those who have served a prison sentence of more than 12 months, would normally be held in prison rather than a removal centre pending the resolution of their immigration status or, if appropriate, deportation. The Immigration Service has taken steps to identify high risk individuals held in removal centres and have made arrangements for them to be transferred to prison.

Yarl's Wood

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training personnel received for managing Yarl's Wood removal centre; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: Section 155 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 requires that custodial functions at removal centres be performed by certified Detainee Custody Officers. A certificate of authorisation to act as a Detainee Custody Officer will not be issued unless my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is satisfied that the applicant is (a) a fit and proper person to perform the functions to be authorised and (b) has received training to such standard as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for the performance of those functions. In addition to these statutory requirements, contracts to operate removal centres require the contractor to implement a full training programme for all staff, supervisors and managers in a range of appropriate skills and procedures.

European Excellence Model

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the European Excellence Model scores were for each of the probation areas, including the National Probation Service, during the recent evaluation; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: A table containing the scores achieved by the local probation areas and by the National Directorate is set out in the table. The scores across the 42 operational areas ranged from 150 to 330 and the average was 243. The National Directorate score was 100. This was to be expected from an organisation that was only created on 1 April 2001 and is still building its capacity and introducing first time business processes. The maximum achievable score is 1,000. In order to achieve an excellence award an organisation would need to score 600–700.
	
		
			 Region/area Total 
		
		
			 West Midlands  
			 Staffordshire 285 
			 Warwickshire 270 
			 West Mercia 275 
			 West Midlands 290 
			 Regional average 280 
			   
			 North East  
			 County Durham 180 
			 Northumbria 200 
			 Teeside 240 
			 Regional average 207 
			   
			 East  
			 Bedfordshire 255 
			 Cambridgeshire 320 
			 Essex 220 
			 Hertfordshire 205 
			 Norfolk 205 
			 Suffolk 290 
			 Regional average 249 
			   
			 North West  
			 Cheshire 190 
			 Cumbria 210 
			 Greater Manchester 230 
			 Lancashire 185 
			 Merseyside 234 
			 Regional average 210 
			   
			 East Midlands  
			 Derbyshire 302 
			 Leicestershire 235 
			 Lincolnshire 230 
			 Northampton 220 
			 Nottingham 282 
			 Regional average 254 
			   
			 Yorkshire and Humberside  
			 Humberside 254 
			 South Yorkshire 225 
			 North Yorkshire 270 
			 West Yorkshire 285 
			 Regional average 259 
			   
			 South East  
			 Hampshire 190 
			 Kent 225 
			 Surrey 170 
			 Sussex 175 
			 Thames Valley 150 
			 Regional average 182 
			 South West  
			 Avon and Somerset 215 
			 Devon and Cornwall 275 
			 Dorset 294 
			 Gloucestershire 275 
			 Wiltshire 320 
			 Regional average 276 
			   
			 London 211 
			   
			 Wales  
			 North Wales 285 
			 Gwent 330 
			 Dyfed-Powys 230 
			 South Wales 290 
			 Regional average 284 
			 England and Wales average 243 
			 National Directorate 100

Assisted Prison Visits

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether eligibility for the Assisted Prison Visits scheme includes the travel costs of foreign nationals to visit relatives held in prison in the United Kingdom from overseas.

Beverley Hughes: Applicants for assistance under the Assisted Prison Visits scheme for England and Wales are required to demonstrate that they meet the scheme's low income criterion. Relatives who are living overseas will not meet the criterion as this is based on United Kingdom awards. These are income support and job seeker's allowance (income based); a health certificate two or three issued by the Department of Health; working families tax credit or disabled person's tax credit where the amount of credit withdrawn is £70 or less.

Regulatory Impact Unit

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many members his Department employs in its Regulatory Impact Unit; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: Home Office departmental responsibility for regulatory impacts is located in the Performance, Delivery and Strategy Unit which employs one person to co-ordinate the work on regulatory impacts across the Department.
	He works closely with the officials responsible for developing policies within the Home Office and with the Cabinet Office Regulatory Impact Unit.

Sex Offenders

Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional resources are made available to receiving authorities for known sex offenders who are allocated to areas other than those of their known offending.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 11 March 2002
	Sex offenders are subject to statutory supervision by the National Probation Service until any supervision period expires. In some cases the length of sentence or the provisions of earlier legislation mean that a period of supervision in the community does not apply.
	Statutory supervision enables the National Probation Service to exercise a control over the location of an offender. The needs and wishes of the victim and/or the requirements of specialist accommodation may lead to a placement out of area which will be negotiated with the receiving area.
	In all circumstances, under the provisions of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000, the police and probation services have a joint responsibility to assess risk and to formulate a management plan for those who pose a high risk of harm. This is discharged through multi-agency public protection panels (MAPPPs).
	A convicted sex offender not or no longer subject to supervision is free to choose his location but in most cases will be subject to the requirements of the Sex Offender Act 1997. This means he will be required to register his home address with the police, and notify them of any change. The police will make every effort to monitor the whereabouts of those assessed as very high risk and to notify the receiving police area of the offender's movement. Where the police and other agencies have concerns about the offender's behaviour, they may apply for a sex offender order, restraining him from specified activities on pain of imprisonment.
	General budgets for police and probation include provision for risk management activities; funds do not normally follow specific offenders.
	The Government will be bringing forward proposals to strengthen further the protection afforded from sex offenders. The Halliday report on the structure of the sentencing framework includes proposals for a new special sentence for sexual and violent offenders that will bring increased supervision. We are also looking to strengthen the MAPPP process, including by bringing in a lay element at an appropriate level.

Travellers

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many eviction notices against groups of travellers have been served in each of the last five years; what assessment he has made of the proportion of evictions that have arisen from real and sustained nuisance; what representations on this subject he has received; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: holding answer 18 March 2002
	Figures for the number of eviction notices served on travellers are not collated centrally.
	The Home Office receives representations regularly on issues relating to travellers, particularly about unauthorised camping and disorder. We continue to keep the current powers to deal with problems associated with unauthorised encampments under review.

Agricultural Workers

Candy Atherton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the review of the seasonal agricultural workers' scheme will take into account Cornish agricultural workers.

Angela Eagle: The White Paper, 'Secure Borders, Safe Haven: Integration with Diversity in Modern Britain', explains current routes of entry to the United Kingdom for work purposes and our proposals to augment and complement these routes in the light of the United Kingdom's economic needs.
	In reviewing the Seasonal Agricultural Workers' scheme to see how it may better meet the needs of the agricultural sector, account will certainly be taken of the availability and skills of, and employment opportunities for, the existing workforce.

Road Accidents

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many road accidents involved police investigations which led to criminal proceedings in each of the last five years.

John Denham: holding answer 11 March 2002
	The police investigate every accident which they attend, and they attend in the vast majority of cases where there is some level of injury. There were 233,729 such accidents in 2000. The police also attend and investigate many accidents involving damage to vehicles or property where there is no injury to people. Information about these is not recorded centrally.
	Records of proceedings for road traffic offences do not describe the circumstances in which the offences were committed. It is therefore not possible to identify separately those proceedings which resulted from the investigation of an accident.

Road Accidents

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice his Department has given to police authorities in the last two years in relation to the nature of investigations into road accidents resulting in serious injury or death.

John Denham: The Association of Chief Police Officers issued a manual of guidance to all forces in November 2001 recommending best practice in the investigation of fatal crashes, so as to promote a consistent approach across forces. The manual reflects the need to investigate road deaths so as to serve the needs of justice and to provide support for victims fairly, impartially and without prejudice. So far, trainers from about two thirds of police forces have taken part in training related to the guidance manual.

Wheelclamping

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers the proposed authority set up to control wheelclamping on private land will have under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 to control the towing away of vehicles parked on private land.

John Denham: Wheelclamping is one of the activities to be regulated by the provisions of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. These activities are, however, limited to the immobilisation of a vehicle by the attachment of an immobilising device, and do not extend to the towing away of motor vehicles. The Security Industry Authority established by the Act will not, therefore, have any powers in this area. The Government are currently considering whether any action is required to deal with this issue.

Criminal Justice and Police Act

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have been brought under section 24(2) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 paragraph (g) as amended by section 71 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001.

John Denham: holding answer 11 March 2002
	Prosecutions are not brought under these statutes.
	Section 24(2) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act sets out those offences for which powers of arrest without warrant apply, and section 71 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 simply adds two further offences to this section. They are kerb crawling and failure to stop and report an accident (in which personal injury is caused).
	There were 812 persons proceeded against for kerb crawling in England and Wales in 2000, 6,165 persons for failing to stop after an accident and 1,907 for failing to report an accident within 24 hours. In the case of the latter figures, it is not known centrally, however, whether the offences involved personal injury or only damage to a vehicle, an animal or other property.

"Policing A New Century"

Andy King: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what responses have been received to "Policing a New Century".

John Denham: I have today placed in the Library of the House a copy of a report which summaries the responses to the White Paper. Copies of the responses from organisations had already been placed in the Library in time for the Committee stage of the Police Reform Bill.

Police

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average cost was of employing a police constable for a year in (a) a provincial police force and (b) London in the last 12 months.

John Denham: holding answer 4 February 2002
	The pay related and notional pensions costs are set out in the table.
	
		£ 
		
			  London forces Provincial  
			   Constable (a) Constable (b) Constable (a) Constable (b) 
		
		
			 Salary from September 2001 scales 19,842 25,095 19,842 25,095 
			 London weighting 1,773 1,773 0 0 
			 London Allowance 4,338 1,011 0 0 
			 Housing/rent allowance 0 5,864 0 3,648 
			 Earning Related National Insurance Contributions (ERNIC) 1,845 2,606 1,303 2,080 
			 Notional pension costs (30 per cent. of salary) 5,953 7,529 5,953 7,529 
			 Free travel 120 120 0 0 
			 South East Allowance 0 0 (24)— 0 
			 Total 33,871 43,998 27,098 38,352 
		
	
	(24) Figures do not include the South East Allowance paid since 1 April 2001 to officers appointed on or after 1 September 1994 who are not in receipt of a housing allowance. The allowance, including national insurance contributions, is £2,180 for officers in Thames Valley, Essex, Kent, Hertfordshire and Surrey and £1,090 for officers in Beds, Hants and Sussex.
	Notes:
	1. (a) new recruit (b) Constable: average cost, including rent allowance, after eight years service.
	2. On commencing service, a constable's pay from 1 September 2001 was £17,733. The direct pay element for new police recruits increases after successful completion of 31 weeks' initial training to £19,842. The latter figure is included in (a) above.
	3. The figures for the Metropolitan police and City of London police include London weighting and London Allowance and the cost of free travel.

Police Authority Funding

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will commit money that has been made available for providing civilians with conferred police powers in a manner that recognises the imbalance in funding between different police authorities.

John Denham: No financial provision for operational work is made in advance of statutory approval. Police grant funding mechanisms take into account the relative needs of different police authorities.

Police Pensions

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the impact on police forces of the payment of pensions to retired officers out of operational budgets; and what plans he has to change the present arrangements.

John Denham: During the consultation period for the 2002–03 funding settlement that was announced on 30 January 2002, seven police authorities referred to pensions in their letters of representation. We are aware of police authorities' concern over the increasing burden of the funding of pensions. We have increased revenue funding from 12.9 per cent. in 1997–98 to 14.5 per cent. since 1999–2000. It will remain at this level in 2002–03.
	As we made clear in our recently published White Paper "Policing a New Century: A Blueprint for Reform", we are also aware of the need of police authorities and chief officers for a system which brings greater clarity about pensions obligations on individual police forces. The Home Office and Treasury are reviewing the options for a revised system of funding which would bring this about.

Metropolitan Police

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the approved number of officers in the Metropolitan police force is; and when that level was last reviewed.

John Denham: The number of police officers in the Metropolitan Police service is the responsibility of the Metropolitan Police Authority within the budget set by the Greater London Authority (GLA).
	The budget set by the GLA for 2002–03 provides for an increase in Metropolitan police strength of 1,000 officers.

Metropolitan Police

Martin Salter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which (a) members of the Metropolitan Police Authority, (b) business associates of those members and (c) companies in which such members have an interest have been in paid employment by the Metropolitan police service.

John Denham: I am advised by the Clerk to the Metropolitan Police Authority that the Register of Members' Interests for members of the Metropolitan Police Authority is a public document available for inspection through the Clerk to the Authority.

Metropolitan Police

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has set improvement targets for individual Metropolitan police basic command units; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: holding answer 8 March 2002
	The Government have required all police authorities, including the Metropolitan Police Authority, to set targets for reductions in domestic burglary, vehicle crime and, in our major cities, robbery. Targets at basic command unit level are not set centrally.
	The Police Standards Unit will monitor performance at basic command unit level in all forces and will work with basic command units to improve performance where appropriate.

Metropolitan Police

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis about the level of crime in London; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: holding answer 8 March 2002
	I have regular bilateral meetings with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis where current issues about the policing of London are discussed.

Metropolitan Police

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what targets he has set for the decrease in street robberies in the Metropolitan police force area.

John Denham: holding answer 8 March 2002
	The Metropolitan Police Service's target is to reduce street crime (covering robbery and theft from the person, irrespective of location) by 15 per cent. by March 2005 from a baseline of 1999–2000.

Special Constables

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many special constables there were, broken down by (a) police force and (b) local authority area, in each year since 1997.

John Denham: The number of serving special constables in each police force area from September 1997 to September 2001 are set out in the table. Data showing the number of specials per local authority is not held centrally.
	
		
			 Police force September 1997 September 1998 September 1999 September 2000 September 2001 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 629 584 482 416 391 
			 Bedfordshire 186 175 148 134 119 
			 Cambridgeshire 336 308 293 214 197 
			 Cheshire 491 416 358 307 233 
			 Cleveland 157 136 108 122 98 
			 Cumbria 184 210 193 167 125 
			 Derbyshire 414 355 303 286 263 
			 Devon and Cornwall 1,079 916 908 836 780 
			 Dorset 325 303 287 278 258 
			 Durham 178 159 169 155 146 
			 Essex 641 590 528 478 413 
			 Gloucestershire 287 245 221 197 153 
			 Greater Manchester 657 567 498 408 355 
			 Hampshire 681 747 720 541 444 
			 Hertfordshire 306 267 232 214 177 
			 Humberside 348 289 263 198 207 
			 Kent 588 565 484 416 366 
			 Lancashire 500 465 397 362 325 
			 Leicestershire 402 350 303 202 155 
			 Lincolnshire 273 233 218 179 160 
			 London, City of 84 69 66 46 34 
			 Merseyside 407 463 467 452 507 
			 Metropolitan police 1,528 1,214 1,173 754 753 
			 Norfolk 346 351 317 270 240 
			 Northamptonshire 314 262 210 195 184 
			 Northumbria 480 352 356 323 276 
			 North Yorkshire 337 302 245 189 186 
			 Nottinghamshire 597 530 405 411 281 
			 South Yorkshire 295 266 236 193 189 
			 Staffordshire 643 558 460 461 395 
			 Suffolk 300 402 420 376 322 
			 Surrey 231 226 205 168 176 
			 Sussex 465 415 377 317 301 
			 Thames Valley 694 587 514 463 377 
			 Warwickshire 379 323 260 260 208 
			 West Mercia 558 499 512 443 364 
			 West Midlands 949 784 697 662 604 
			 West Yorkshire 604 590 572 452 371 
			 Wiltshire 150 176 182 172 160 
			 Dyfed Powys 241 237 237 193 174 
			 Gwent 149 114 110 131 148 
			 North Wales 388 336 262 233 203 
			 South Wales 362 360 331 254 250 
		
	
	Note:
	Figures provided by Research, Development and Statistics
	The Government are committed to increasing the size of the special constabulary and are working on a number of options designed to achieve this. These include improvements to the recruitment, training, conditions, management and deployment of specials—focusing their role on intelligence-led, high visibility patrolling and local crime reduction initiatives.

Firearms Consultative Committee

Andy King: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will lay before Parliament the eleventh annual report of the Firearms Consultative Committee.

Bob Ainsworth: I have today laid before Parliament the eleventh annual report of the Firearms Consultative Committee, copies of which have been placed in the Library.

Mr. John Morris

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the findings were of the inquest into the death of Mr. John Morris in Luton in June 2001; how many persons have been prosecuted for offences connected with this death; and what the outcome was of criminal proceedings.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 18 March 2002
	The inquest into the death was adjourned after charges of murder were brought against three suspects. One of these subsequently pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment. Another pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was sentenced to 21 months' imprisonment. The third was found not guilty of any of the charges brought against him. The coroner decided not to resume the inquest.

Drug Treatment Services

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the availability and quality of drug treatment services.

Bob Ainsworth: The Government are making substantial investment to increase the availability of drug treatment services, particularly for Class A drug users. Through the pooled treatment budget, we are increasing funding from £234 million in 2001–02 to £400 million by 2003–04 to improve services locally and reduce waiting times.
	The Government set up the National Treatment Agency (NTA) last year with the clear objective of improving the quality and availability of drug treatment in England. Since then the NTA has:
	1. Established challenging waiting time targets for drug treatment and will monitor these at local level
	2. Piloted a system of delivery to integrate all the support services that someone undergoing treatment may require—including aftercare and housing, as well as clinical drug treatment.
	3. Promoting a shared care approach to enable GPs to work more effectively with specialist services and drug users in their areas.
	The Government's drug strategy calls for a doubling of the number of people in treatment in the 10 years from 1998 to 2008. The numbers of people in treatment in 2000–01 was 118,000, an increase of 16 per cent. over 1998–99.

Vetting Procedures

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many professionals working with children were screened in each of the past 10 years; how many people have been prevented from working with children after being screened in each of the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: Information is not available in the form requested. Pre-employment screening takes various forms, including taking up references, medical checks and inquiring about previous employment history.
	Criminal record checks have been carried out by the police, principally of employees in the statutory sector in posts (of any nature) involving substantial unsupervised access to children. The table shows available figures for such checks conducted in the years shown under arrangements agreed at national level with the Association of Chief Police Officers:
	
		
			 Year to 31 March   
		
		
			 1993 654,472 
			 1994 609,434 
			 1995 607,573 
			 1996 613,163 
			 1997 657,036 
			 1998 712,765 
			 1999 769,515 
			 2000 804,996 
		
	
	The following figures show the number of such checks that revealed convictions:
	
		
			 Year to 31 March   
		
		
			 1993 33,894 
			 1994 38,162 
			 1995 39,679 
			 1996 38,809 
			 1997 46,584 
			 1998 49,786 
			 1999 54,060 
			 2000 53,044 
		
	
	Information is not available as to numbers refused employment.
	The introduction of the Criminal Records Bureau will make such checks more widely available to employers and voluntary organisations.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Advertisements

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the job advertisements placed by his Department in the last 12 months specifying where the advertisements were placed and the cost in each case.

Christopher Leslie: In the calendar year of 2001 there were a total of 58 adverts placed for 80 vacancies at a total cost of £205,303.00.
	The adverts were published in a variety of media including the national press, local and specialist press, the civil service jobs gateway website and local job centres.

Litigation

Andrew Turner: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many cases (a) his Department and (b) its agencies have defended in (i) industrial tribunals and (ii) the courts in each year since 1997; how many were concluded in their favour; and what the total cost was to his Department of litigation in each year.

Christopher Leslie: The information is provided in the following table.
	
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 
		
		
			  (a) Cabinet Office 
			  Tribunals 
			 Number of cases (25)1 0 0 0 0 (25)1 
			 Cases won 1 — — — — 1 
			 Cost of litigation £3,643 — — — — £1,307 
			
			 Courts   
			 Number of cases 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			
			  (b) Agencies(25) 
			 Tribunals   
			 Number of cases 0 0 0 3 0 0 
			 Cases won — — — 2 — — 
			 Cost of litigation — — — £15,453 — — 
			
			 Courts   
			 Number of cases 0 0 0 0 0 0 
		
	
	(25) Denotes same case.
	Notes:
	Figures given are for current Cabinet Office agencies and the year the case was settled.
	The information for 2002 includes cases heard up to 28 February.
	The figures are supplied by the Treasury Solicitor's Department, which is responsible for litigation on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Staff Numbers

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many staff have been employed by his Department in each of the last 10 years.

Christopher Leslie: The figures are shown in a table, which has been placed in the Library of the House. They show the number of permanent staff in each Department/agency reported to the Cabinet Office at 1 April from 1992 to 2001. The figures include submissions from all Departments and agencies.
	The figures for 1992 to 2000 were previously published in the annual civil service statistics publication, copies of which are in the Library of the House. The 2001 figures were published in the Press Notice about civil service staffing levels, released on 8 November 2001, a copy of which is also in the Library of the House.
	The figures are calculated on a full-time equivalent basis, and are rounded to the nearest 10. It should be noted that, owing to rounding of figures there may be an apparent discrepancy between the totals and the sum of the constituent items.

Public Appointments

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment has been made of the percentage of (a) paid and (b) unpaid appointments to non- departmental public bodies made to women in each year since 1997.

Christopher Leslie: Information on the gender and remuneration of the chair and members of the board of public bodies is set out in the annual publication "Public Bodies", copies of which are in the Library of the House.

Government Office for London

Paul Burstow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many whole time equivalent posts there were at the Government Office for London as at 1 April 1999 and in each subsequent year for which figures are available; and if he will set out for each Government Office for London directorate the changes in staffing levels since 1999–2000.

Barbara Roche: The Government Office for London had approximately 390 whole time equivalent posts in April 1999, 370 in April 2000 and 240 in April 2001.
	In 1999 GOL comprised three directorates; New London Governance with approximately 60 whole time equivalent posts, Transport and Corporate with 90 and Skills, Education and Regeneration with 240. By August 2000, the New London Governance directorate was wound up and GOL was then restructured into a single directorate.

PRIME MINISTER

Iraq

Angus Robertson: To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with US President George W. Bush about seeking a new and specific United Nations Security Council mandate for any international offensive military action against Iraq.

Tony Blair: I regularly discuss all aspects of Iraq policy with President Bush and the US Administration. My most recent discussions were with US Vice President Cheney in London on 11 March. I will have another opportunity to do so during my visit to the US next month.

Engineers

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Prime Minister 
	(1)  how many chartered engineers there are in the performance and innovation unit; and how many worked on the energy study published in February;
	(2)  how many people are employed in the performance and innovation unit; and how many have engineering and science qualifications at first degree level and above.

Tony Blair: On 1 March 2002 there were 84 people working in the performance and innovation unit (PIU) based in the Cabinet Office. The PIU works on a range of projects at any one time, and the number of staff and their educational qualifications vary accordingly.
	Five people worked full-time on the energy review from beginning to end. Four people transferred to the energy review from the separate resource productivity and renewable energy project halfway through the energy review. A further eight people provided part-time, advisory or administrative support as required by the main team.
	None of the full-time members of the project team were chartered engineers. The team had access to scientific and engineering expertise through supporting consultants, members of the advisory group and from the organisations consulted during the course of the project. Full details are given in Annexes 2 and 3 of the Energy Review.

HEALTH

Departmental Staff

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff left the service of his Department and its agencies in the year ended 31 March 2001; how many left before attaining the formal retirement age of 60 years; and in respect of how many his Department and its agencies assumed responsibilities for making payments until retirement age.

Hazel Blears: I refer the right hon. Member to the central answer provided by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister, on 13 March 2002.
	Information in respect of how many staff in the Department and its agencies assumed responsibility for making payments until retirement age is shown in the table.
	
		
			 Departures between April 2000 and March 2001  
		
		
			 Health (excluding agencies) (26)17 
			 Medical Devices Agency 0 
			 Medical Controls Agency 0 
			 NHS Estates 1 
			 NHS Purchasing and Supplies Agency 0 
			 NHS Purchasing and Supplies Agency 0 
			  
			 Total 18 
		
	
	(26) Early retirement departures as a result of the closure the Glenthorne Youth Treatment Centre, Birmingham (GYTC) are not included
	Source:
	Paymaster billing sheet March 2001

Glivec

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  which health authorities are providing the cancer drug Glivec; how many people are receiving the drug, broken down by health authority; at what cost; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  whether there is a mechanism for patients unable to receive the cancer drug Glivec from their own health authority to have the treatment in another health authority; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  when he expects the NICE report on the drug Glivec for chronic myeloid leukaemia to be published; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  which health authorities provide patients with the drug Glivec for chronic myeloid leukaemia; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: Information on the provision and cost of Glivec by individual health authority is not available. The funding of treatment for patients is the responsibility of the health authority where the patient lives.
	Once a drug is licensed in the United Kingdom it can be prescribed for use in the NHS for patients who meet the licensed criteria. As with all newly licensed treatments awaiting a NICE appraisal, the Department's advice is that funding authorities should consider the clinical evidence available for a specific treatment before making any decision.
	Glivec received its UK licence last November and so can be prescribed for use in the NHS for patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia who meet the licensed criteria.
	It is anticipated that NICE will issue guidance on the use of Glivec for chronic myeloid leukaemia in August 2002.

Nursing Care Payments

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  on what basis the Minister decided not to follow the recommendations of the Steering Group set up to look at the way free nursing care payments should be paid;
	(2)  what representations he has received since 1 October 2001 in favour of free nursing care payments being paid direct to nursing home owners;
	(3)  if he will offer care homes the option of clients being paid the free nursing care payments;
	(4)  if he will offer care homes the option of the free nursing care payments being paid directly to the clients as well as the nursing home; and if he will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: I have received no such representations since 1 October.
	The stakeholder group set up to oversee implementation of free nursing care did not recommend that payments should be made to individuals rather than to care homes.
	The national health service traditionally provides services to patients or arranges for others, in this case independent care providers, to provide services to them.

Medicine Safety

David Hinchliffe: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many appeals made against definitive decisions by the Committee on Safety of Medicines were heard by the (a) full committee of the Committee on Safety of Medicines and (b) Medicines Commission in each year since 1996.

Hazel Blears: The number of appeals heard by the Committee on Safety of Medicines and the Medicines Commission between 1996 and December 2001 are shown in the following table:
	
		
			  CSM Medicines Commission 
		
		
			 1996 14 3 
			 1997 14 1 
			 1998 11 3 
			 1999 11 0 
			 2000 12 3 
			 2001 11 4 
		
	
	This information is published annually in the reports of the Medicines Act Advisory Bodies, copies of which are available in the Library. The report relating to the work undertaken by these committees during 2001 will be published later this year. The information can also be found on the website of the Medicines Control Agency at www.mca.gov.uk.

Catering Services

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost was of (a) in-house canteen and (b) other catering services provided by his Department in each of the last four years.

Hazel Blears: The direct cost to the Department of (a) in-house canteen and (b) other catering services provided is shown in the table.
	
		£ 
		
			   (a) (b) 
		
		
			 1997–98 66,590 706,057 
			 1998–99 63,760 1,002,184 
			 1999–2000 73,737 1,063,325 
			 2000–01 83,349 900,532

Civil Servants

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out for each Civil Service grade within his (a) Department and (b) Department's executive agencies the (i) total number of staff employed, (ii) number aged (A) 16 to 25, (B) 26 to 35, (C) 36 to 45, (D) 46 to 60 and (E) over the age of 60 years, (iii) number of registered disabled and (iv) number of ethnic minorities.

Hazel Blears: I refer the hon. Member to the central answer provided by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister, on 13 March 2002.

Unlicensed Medicines

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the annual budget is for (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002 and (d) 2003 for the Special Unit to investigate possible breaches of regulations on the internet set up within the Medicines Control Agency's Enforcement Group.

Hazel Blears: The Special Enquiry Unit forms part of the Enforcement Group within the Medicines Control Agency. The budget for the Group is set at approximately £1,600,000 per annum.

Unlicensed Medicines

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time members are in the Medicines Control Agency's Enforcement Group Special Unit to investigate possible breaches of regulations on the internet.

Hazel Blears: Following the absorption of the Special Enquiry Unit into the main investigation area in 2001 the number of officers assigned to internet investigations, has varied according to the assessed public health risk.

Unlicensed Medicines

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what (a) supporting and (b) co-ordinating activities have been undertaken by the Medicines Control Agency for the International Forum on Pharmaceutical Crime established in Ottawa in 1999 that relate to the sale of licensed and unlicensed medicines via the internet.

Hazel Blears: There have been four meetings of the International Forum on Pharmaceutical Crime since its foundation in 1998 at Sunningdale, with subsequent conferences in Ottawa 1999, Holland 2000 and Washington 2001.
	Medicines Control Agency (MCA) was the co-ordinator for the initial conference and provided the main co-ordination facility for the subsequent conferences.
	Internet crime has been discussed by the Forum.
	One of the last initiatives undertaken was an international internet sweep, for which the Office of Fair Trading was the United Kingdom's co-ordinator in February 2002. MCA was directly involved.
	The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission are co-ordinating the global results. Relevant cases in breach of UK legislation will be forwarded to the MCA for further investigations.

Unlicensed Medicines

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Special Unit to investigate possible breaches of regulations on the internet was set up within the Medicines Control Agency's Enforcement Group.

Hazel Blears: The Special Enquiry Unit of the Medicines Control Agency Enforcement Group, was originally set up in 1998 to investigate offences involving the sale and supply of Viagra. The unit then developed the necessary competence to investigate internet crime. After this initial phase the unit was absorbed into the main investigation area in October 2001. However, investigation of internet offences remains a high priority.

Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 14 February 2002, Official Report, column 671W, if the district valuer has completed the work required for the Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association to take a final decision on the acquisition of the site.

Hazel Blears: Negotiations with the Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association are at an advanced stage. It is hoped that these will be finalised shortly and that a sale to them can be concluded.

Repair and Maintenance Backlog

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the outstanding repair and maintenance backlog figures were (a) in each NHS region and (b) in England in each of the last five years.

Jacqui Smith: While backlog maintenance costs have risen since 1994–95 the bringing into use of new health care buildings resulting from the major capital investment programme within the NHS, in the order of £7 billion by 2010, should see a marked decrease in backlog maintenance costs. This is already evident in the smaller rate of change seen recently in backlog maintenance costs. It is estimated that the impact of this planned major capital investment, together with contributions from block capital issued directly to NHS trust should, if fully implemented, see the virtual eradication of most backlog maintenance costs within the NHS by 2010.

Combined SHA

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the benefit to Somerset of having a strategic health authority with Dorset.

Hazel Blears: The benefits of creating a new Health Authority for Somerset and Dorset were set out in the consultation document "Modernising the NHS: Shifting the Balance of Power in Somerset and Dorset". This was the subject of public consultation last year by the South West Regional Office of the Department of Health. Following consideration of the responses received during the consultation exercise the boundaries of the new health authority were announced on 18 December 2001.

Non-Governmental Organisations

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list non-Governmental organisations operating in the south-west region that receive public funds from his Department; and what amount of annual funding they received in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Hazel Blears: The information requested cannot be identified from information held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Asbestos

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to recompense hospitals who face major new expenditure, if the proposed new Health and Safety Executive regulations on asbetos come into effect.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 1 March 2002
	Regulations to protect against the exposure to asbestos are already in existence. Under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987, it is the duty of all employers to prepare risk assessments and make arrangements to protect workers and, in the case of the NHS, patients. The proposed new regulation, which will formalise and expand upon existing regulations, will better protect against the risks of exposure to asbestos by imposing more rigorous management arrangements on employers. The regulations will ensure that where there is evidence of asbestos, it is managed effectively and safely so as not to cause risk of harm to anyone.
	Cost analysis of the proposed new regulation indicates that the financial burden on the NHS will not be major. Hospitals will be expected to pay for such work out of their normal running cost allocation budgets.

Waiting Time (Avon)

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting times for people in need of orthopaedic surgery in the Avon health authority have been in each of the last five years.

Hazel Blears: The average median waiting times, from the date of a decision to admit a patient for treatment for the trauma and orthopaedics specialty to the admission date, in Avon health authority are shown in the table:
	
		
			  Median waiting time in days 
		
		
			 1996–97 101 
			 1997–98 112 
			 1998–99 125 
			 1999–2000 104 
			 2000–01 117 
		
	
	Source:
	Health Episode Statistics database
	The figures are based on elective hospital in-patients admitted with a specialty code 110—trauma and orthopaedic. There is currently no separate specialty code for orthopaedics alone.

NHS Dentistry

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of people in (a) England and (b) each health authority were registered with an NHS dentist in (i) each year since 1997, (ii) 1979 and (iii) 1992.

Hazel Blears: Arrangements are now in place to ensure that patients can gain access to NHS services simply by calling NHS Direct. This means that even if a patient chooses not to register with a dentist it will still be possible for that patient to access all forms of dentistry that are provided by the NHS.
	The percentage of people registered with a general dental service (GDS) dentist per head of population by family health service authority is shown in table 1 for England at 30 September 1992.
	The percentage of people registered with a GDS dentist per head of population by health authority is shown in table 2 for England at 30 September for each year since 1997.
	Registrations were first introduced in October 1990, and therefore figures for 1979 are not available. From September 1996, the registration period was changed from 24 months to 15 months for adults, and from 12 months to 15 months for children. As a result of this, data held on registration numbers after 1997 is not comparable to earlier years. The data may also be affected by gradual improvements in the methods used for the removal of duplicate registration records, which were first employed by the dental practice board in 1993.
	
		Table 1: general dental service: number of patients registered as a percentage of the population by family health service authority at 30 September 1992
		
			 Family health service authority Percentage 
		
		
			 England 59 
			 Avon Health 66 
			 Barking and Havering 51 
			 Barnet 44 
			 Barnsley 54 
			 Bedfordshire 49 
			 Berkshire Health Commission 56 
			 Birmingham 60 
			 Bolton 58 
			 Bradford 59 
			 Brent and Harrow 56 
			 Bromley 42 
			 Buckinghamshire 58 
			 Bury 59 
			 Calderdale 66 
			 Cambridgeshire 60 
			 Camden and Islington 59 
			 Cheshire 65 
			 City and East London 48 
			 Cleveland 64 
			 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 64 
			 County Durham Health Commission 57 
			 Coventry 63 
			 Croydon Health 60 
			 Cumbria 60 
			 Derbyshire 56 
			 Devon 66 
			 Doncaster 63 
			 Dorset Health Commission 67 
			 Dudley 56 
			 Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow 55 
			 East Sussex 64 
			 Enfield and Haringey 53 
			 Essex 55 
			 Gateshead 55 
			 Gloucestershire 67 
			 Greenwich and Bexley Heath 56 
			 Hereford and Worcester 61 
			 Hertfordshire 63 
			 Hillingdon 58 
			 Humberside 57 
			 Isle of Wight Health Commission 63 
			 Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster 47 
			 Kent 56 
			 Kingston and Richmond 46 
			 Kirklees 60 
			 Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham Health Commission 58 
			 Lancashire 60 
			 Leeds 63 
			 Leicestershire 60 
			 Lincolnshire 61 
			 Liverpool 59 
			 Manchester Health Commission 67 
			 Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth 53 
			 Hampshire 63 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 56 
			 Norfolk 63 
			 North Tyneside 62 
			 North Yorkshire 64 
			 Northumberland 53 
			 Northamptonshire 57 
			 Nottinghamshire 61 
			 Oldham 59 
			 Oxfordshire 55 
			 Redbridge and Waltham Forest 55 
			 Rochdale 60 
			 Rotherham 54 
			 Salford 63 
			 Sandwell 56 
			 Sefton 64 
			 Sheffield 61 
			 Shropshire 66 
			 Solihull Health 54 
			 Somerset 67 
			 South of Tyne Health Commission 56 
			 St. Helens and Knowsley 61 
			 Staffordshire 57 
			 Stockport Health Commission 69 
			 Suffolk 65 
			 Sunderland Health Commission 55 
			 Surrey 59 
			 Tameside 59 
			 Trafford 74 
			 Wakefield 59 
			 Walsall 51 
			 Warwickshire 59 
			 West Sussex 66 
			 Wigan 62 
			 Wiltshire 58 
			 Wirral 64 
			 Wolverhampton Health Executive 54 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Based on the number of registrations at 30 September 1992.
	2. ONS mid year population estimates for 1992 are used to calculate the percentage of patients registered.
	3. Registration rates reflect a 24 month registration period for adults whereas children's registrations lapsed at the end of the following calendar year. The basis of the later figures in table 2 are for a 15 month registration period for both adults and children.
	
		Table 2: general dental service: number of patients registered as a percentage of the population by health authority at 30 September for the years 1997 to 2001 -- Percentage
		
			 Health authority 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 
		
		
			 England 54 47 47 47 47 
			 Avon 59 52 51 50 50 
			 Barking and Havering 50 41 41 42 42 
			 Barnet, Enfield and Haringey 47 39 37 37 39 
			 Barnsley 58 52 52 53 53 
			 Bedfordshire 46 39 40 40 40 
			 Berkshire 45 38 39 38 35 
			 Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich 45 39 38 38 38 
			 Birmingham 57 50 49 48 47 
			 Bradford 56 49 49 49 49 
			 Brent and Harrow 57 45 46 46 46 
			 Buckinghamshire 43 38 37 37 37 
			 Bury and Rochdale 58 50 49 49 49 
			 Calderdale and Kirklees 62 56 54 55 55 
			 Cambridge and Huntingdon(27) 50 43 — — — 
			 Cambridgeshire(27) — — 44 44 45 
			 Camden and Islington 58 46 44 44 43 
			 Cornwall and Isles Of Scilly 53 45 43 42 43 
			 County Durham 56 50 50 51 50 
			 Coventry 58 49 49 48 49 
			 Croydon 54 44 43 43 42 
			 Doncaster 65 59 56 58 58 
			 Dorset 59 54 54 54 53 
			 Dudley 52 47 47 47 47 
			 Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow 53 43 40 41 42 
			 East Kent 48 43 42 43 43 
			 East Lancashire 57 50 50 49 45 
			 East London and The City 44 34 33 33 32 
			 East Norfolk(27) 57 52 — — — 
			 East Riding 51 46 46 47 47 
			 East Surrey 49 43 39 41 40 
			 East Sussex, Brighton and Hove 56 49 47 48 47 
			 Gateshead and South Tyneside 60 53 54 54 55 
			 Gloucestershire 44 38 38 38 36 
			 Herefordshire 64 54 55 53 51 
			 Hertfordshire 59 51 51 51 51 
			 Hillingdon 57 48 47 46 45 
			 Isle Of Wight, Portsmouth and South-east Hampshire 51 46 45 44 44 
			 Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster 40 31 31 29 28 
			 Kingston and Richmond 43 36 35 34 32 
			 Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham 54 44 40 40 40 
			 Leeds 57 52 52 52 51 
			 Leicestershire 56 50 49 48 50 
			 Lincolnshire 57 51 51 52 53 
			 Liverpool 60 51 50 51 50 
			 Manchester 62 51 52 51 50 
			 Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth 50 41 39 41 41 
			 Morecambe Bay 55 49 49 50 51 
			 Newcastle and North Tyneside 59 51 53 53 52 
			 Norfolk(27) — — 49 50 51 
			 North and East Devon 54 48 50 53 53 
			 North and Mid Hampshire 52 45 43 45 45 
			 North Cheshire 60 51 51 51 51 
			 North Cumbria 52 48 50 51 52 
			 North Derbyshire 50 45 45 45 45 
			 North Essex 54 48 49 50 49 
			 North Nottinghamshire 60 56 57 58 59 
			 North Staffordshire 47 41 42 43 43 
			 North West Anglia(27) 46 42 — — — 
			 North West Lancashire 60 54 55 54 52 
			 North Yorkshire 58 53 52 53 53 
			 Northumberland 56 51 51 52 53 
			 Northamptonshire 58 49 52 53 53 
			 Nottingham 62 56 54 56 55 
			 Oxfordshire 39 34 34 37 38 
			 Redbridge and Waltham Forest 54 46 45 47 46 
			 Rotherham 56 50 49 51 51 
			 Salford and Trafford 63 54 53 53 51 
			 Sandwell 53 49 50 51 52 
			 Sefton 65 60 59 56 55 
			 Sheffield 62 56 56 57 56 
			 Shropshire 51 44 43 43 41 
			 Solihull 46 36 39 40 40 
			 Somerset 60 53 51 53 51 
			 South and West Devon 55 48 46 47 49 
			 South Cheshire 60 48 49 50 51 
			 South Derbyshire 51 48 47 49 48 
			 South Essex 48 43 45 46 46 
			 South Humber 56 51 52 53 53 
			 South Lancashire 48 43 44 45 46 
			 South Staffordshire 54 48 47 46 45 
			 Southampton and South-west Hampshire 59 53 51 49 49 
			 St. Helens and Knowsley 60 52 52 49 49 
			 Stockport 66 60 60 60 59 
			 Suffolk 60 54 55 55 55 
			 Sunderland 58 50 51 51 52 
			 Tees 67 59 59 60 60 
			 Wakefield 64 56 55 55 54 
			 Walsall 49 44 44 45 44 
			 Warwickshire 53 46 43 43 45 
			 West Kent 45 41 41 41 43 
			 West Pennine 60 52 53 53 52 
			 West Surrey 49 44 43 42 42 
			 West Sussex 55 48 48 47 48 
			 Wigan and Bolton 61 56 55 55 54 
			 Wiltshire 48 40 43 44 44 
			 Wirral 64 59 59 58 58 
			 Wolverhampton 55 48 49 50 49 
			 Worcestershire 56 50 49 49 49 
		
	
	(27) Three health authorities Cambridge and Huntingdon, East Norfolk and North West Anglia were replaced by two health authorities Cambridge and Norfolk in April 1999.
	Notes:
	1. Based on the number of registrations at 30 September each year.
	2. ONS mid year population estimates for 1997 to 2000 are used to calculate percentage of patients registered.
	3. Registration rates reflect a 15 month registration period.

Air Ambulances

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the further research commissioned by the Department regarding public funding for air ambulances will report; and who is conducting the research.

Hazel Blears: The Department is commissioning a wide-ranging piece of primary research that will examine the role and effectiveness of air ambulance services in a modern national health service. The first stage is already under way and will provide an up-to-date review of existing evidence. This work is being undertaken by the medical care research unit at Sheffield University and will be completed by May 2002. No decision has been taken yet on who will undertake the next stage of research but it is intended that it will be completed by the end of 2003.

Arthritis

Chris Pond: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines his Department has given on prescribing medication to patients with arthritis.

Jacqui Smith: Health service circular 1999–176 advises national health service bodies to use their existing arrangements to determine local prescribing policies, using the publicly available evidence to inform their decision. Local policies may therefore reflect differing assessments and interpretations of evidence along with differing local circumstances and priorities.
	The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has been asked to appraise the use of infliximab (Remicade) and etanecerpt (Enbrel) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis for adults and etanercept only for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Unless there are appeals, NICE expects to issue its guidance in March 2002 for etanercept for JIA and guidance on the etanercept and infliximab appraisal for adults in April 2002. NICE also has anakinra for rheumatoid arthritis on their appraisal work programme and guidance is expected in July 2003, providing there are no appeals.

Arthritis

Chris Pond: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the level of funding for arthritis treatments and medication was in each of the last five financial years for which records are available; and what level is estimated for (a) this and (b) the next financial year.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested is not collected centrally as the drugs budgets of health authorities and primary care trust are not determined centrally. They receive unified allocations to cover the costs of hospital and community health services, discretionary funding for general practice staff, premises and computers and primary care prescribing.
	The level of funding made available for arthritis drugs is therefore a local decision. It is for health authorities in partnership with primary care groups/trusts and other local stakeholders to determine how best to use their funds.

Cottage Hospitals

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Government have to develop local cottage hospitals.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 5 March 2002
	The concept of care closer to home as identified by the National Beds Inquiry (NBI) underpins our plans for modernising the national health service. To this end maximum use needs to be made of cottage hospitals and primary care organisations in delivering and co-ordinating the local population's care. Cottage hospitals are working hard to develop their roles, for example in carrying out day surgery, minor procedures and caring for patients in the recuperative phases of recovery from illness or accident. They will be key players in meeting our target of introducing an additional 5,000 intermediate care beds—the bridge between hospital and home—by 2004.

Foster Carers

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures his Department has undertaken to ensure that fostering agencies are able to carry out police checks on prospective foster carers.

Jacqui Smith: Under the Foster Placement (Children) Regulations 1991, agencies are required to seek criminal record checks on prospective foster carers. Checks may be made through the Criminal Records Bureau, which began processing applications on 11 March 2002. The checks will also include information from the Department's Protection of Children Act List and Department for Education and Skills' List 99.

Kent Hospitals

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what the waiting times are for in-patients needing cancer care at Kent and Canterbury hospital;
	(2)  what assessment has been made of the cost of transferring in-patient cancer treatment from Kent and Canterbury hospital to Maidstone hospital;
	(3)  what the waiting times are for in-patient treatment for cancer at the Maidstone hospital.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 7 March 2002
	The information requested is not collected centrally.
	No assessment of costs for transferring patients to Maidstone hospital has been carried out as a decision on the future role of Kent and Canterbury hospital, resulting from the reconfiguration of acute services, has not been made.
	If any changes to services are to be made, detailed plans would first be put in place to ensure other, appropriate facilities and services are available at the Maidstone hospital and other centres.

Residential Homes

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will list for each London borough the number of elderly residents who are placed in residential and nursing homes outside London;
	(2)  if he will list for each social services department the number of people from outside London who are placed in residential and nursing homes inside London.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 18 March 2002
	The information requested is not available centrally.

Residential Homes

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many beds in residential and nursing homes for the elderly in Greater London there were on (a) 31 March 1997 and (b) the latest available date.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 18 March 2002
	Information on the number of residential places and registered nursing beds for older people, in Greater London, at 31 March each year, is shown in the table.
	
		Residential places and registered nursing beds for older people in Greater London at 31 March -- rounded numbers
		
			  1997(28) 2001 
		
		
			 Residential care places for older people(29) 20,490 19,360 
			 Registered nursing(30) beds for older people 10,600 11,440 
		
	
	(28) Nursing bed figures relate to the period 1 October 1996 to 31 March 1997.
	(29) Includes residential care beds for older people who are mentally infirm people.
	(30) Includes nursing care beds in private hospitals and clinics.
	Source:
	Department of Health's annual return.

Care Homes

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how long his Department estimates it has taken for care homes to be built from the initial application being submitted to the relevant planning department in the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 18 March 2002
	The information requested is not collected centrally.

Care Homes

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures the National Care Standards Commission has at its disposal to enforce the minimum standard that relates to contracts between care homes and individuals.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 18 March 2002
	The commission has the ability to take enforcement action in relation to the Care Homes Regulations 2001. The national minimum standards will be the basis for the commission to determine whether the regulations are complied with. In relation to contracts the relevant standards are standard 2 for care homes for older people, and standard 5 for care homes for younger adults.
	Regulations will be mandatory and providers must comply with them. If a regulation is breached, the breach of which is an offence, providers will be given a notice setting out the regulation breached, how the service is considered deficient, what must be done to remedy the deficiency, and a time scale within which the deficiency must be remedied. If the deficiency is not remedied, proceedings for prosecution may follow. The breach of regulation 5 of the Care Homes Regulations 2001, which states that a service users' guide should include a standard form of contract for the provision of services and facilities by the registered provider to service users, is an offence.

Care Homes

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to reissue his Department's "Moving into a Care Home" leaflet; how many he plans to distribute; to whom; and by what means.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 18 March 2002
	The Department has commissioned the production of a new booklet containing key information that individuals should have when they are moving into, or resident in, a care home. It will include the contributions that residents may make to care home fees and other financial aspects. The booklet is currently being finalised, and it will be made available in hard copy to all councils with social services responsibilities and a range of relevant voluntary and community organisations. Other means are being considered to ensure the widest possible circulation.
	The new booklet will effectively replace "Moving into a Care Home".

Care Homes

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will issue a direction to require NHS bodies to use the central core contract for how NHS nursing contribution received by care homes is to be accounted for.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 18 March 2002
	I have strongly recommended that national health service bodies use the Department's core contract, recognising that some flexibility will also be required to reflect particular local arrangements in any agreed contract.

Nursing Care

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to compensate those self-funding residents who are eligible and received payment for free nursing care but did not have the money passed on in a reduction in fees.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 18 March 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 19 March 2002, Official Report, column 172W.

Care Funding

Patsy Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out the methodology underpinning the distribution of the funding for extra intermediate care funding facilities for older people as described in his letter of 6 March to the hon. Member for Cheadle.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 18 March 2002
	In November 2001, the Department's regional offices were invited to submit bids against £66 million of capital funding available for intermediate care. Bids were assessed against 10 criteria.
	I announced allocation of the "first phase" of £46 million to 80 projects on 6 March 2002. A £20 million "second phase" will follow, after further developmental work in a number of localities.

Pharmacists

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase co-operation between general practitioners and pharmacists; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 18 March 2002
	Many of the initiatives in "Pharmacy in the Future—Implementing the NHS Plan"—our programme for pharmacy published in September 2000—will encourage greater co-operation between general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists. These include repeat dispensing, medicines management and extending prescribing responsibilities. There are also many local initiatives where GPs and pharmacists are already collaborating to improve patient care, including prescribing advice, support for smoking cessation and anti-coagulant treatment monitoring.

Pharmacists

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce measures to increase the role of the local pharmacy in treating minor ailments.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 18 March 2002
	"Pharmacy in the Future—Implementing the NHS Plan"—our programme for pharmacy published in September 2000—sets out a number of measures for increasing the role of community pharmacists in treating minor ailments. Successive winter campaigns have reinforced the message that in many cases the best course of action is to "Ask Your Pharmacist". All NHS sites will be able to refer callers to their local pharmacy, where appropriate, by the end of 2002. We are also committed to the availability of a wider range of medicines over the counter.